Portable cooled merchandizing unit with customer enticement features

ABSTRACT

A portable cooled merchandising unit including a product container assembly, a door assembly, a cooling assembly, a customer enticement device, and a power unit. The product container assembly defines an interior region for containing products. The cooling assembly is connected to the product container assembly and includes a powered cooling device to cool the interior region. The enticement device is adapted to encourage customer interest in the merchandising unit and includes a powered component. The power unit includes a power supply electrically connectable to an external power source, with each of the powered cooling device and the power component of the enticement device being electrically coupled to the power supply. With this configuration, the common power supply serves to power both the cooling assembly as well as the customer enticement device. In some embodiments, the cooling assembly includes a thermoelectric device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/086,769, filed Mar.22, 2005 and entitled “PORTABLE COOLED MERCHANDIZING UNIT”, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60/621,528, filed Oct. 22, 2004; theteachings of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cooled merchandizing unit. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a portable cooled (e.g.,refrigeration and/or freezer) merchandizing unit having one or morecustomer enticement features for encouraging customer interest in themerchandizing unit.

Perishable food items are frequently displayed and sold in grocerystores. Some perishable food items are maintained in inventoryyear-round and are often placed in a permanent merchandizing unit. Otherperishable food items are offered during promotions, and are bettersuited to temporary cooling displays. Some temporary cooling displaysare disposable cases employing ice packs and ice to cool the perishableitems, and grocers, due to the limited cooling capacity, disfavor thesedisposable units. Another disincentive to the use of disposable coolingunits is the cost associated with their disposal. To this end, grocershave a need for temporary cooling displays that are effective in safelycooling perishable food items. Similar needs arise for temporary coolingdisplays of frozen food items.

Conventional refrigerators and freezers employed as temporary coolingdisplays are disfavored due primarily to their expense and non-steadycooling temperatures. As a point of reference, conventionalrefrigerators and freezers generally include an insulated enclosurehaving a centralized cooling system employing a vapor compression cyclerefrigerant. The cooling system is usually characterized as having agreater cooling capacity than the actual heat load, and this results inthe cooling system acting intermittently in a binary duty cycle. That isto say, the cooling system is either on or off. The binary duty cycle isassociated with temperature variations inside the insulated theenclosure. For example, when the compressor is off, the temperature inthe enclosure increases until reaching an upper limit where thecompressor is cycled on. Conversely, when the compressor is on, thetemperature in the enclosure decreases until reaching a lower limitwhere the compressor is cycled off. Thus, the temperature in aconventional refrigerator or freezer is not steady, but cycles betweenpre-selected upper and lower limits.

In addition, vapor compression cooling systems frequently employfluorinated hydrocarbons (for example, Freon®) as the refrigerant. Thedeleterious effects of fluorinated hydrocarbons on the environment arewell known, and both national and international regulations are ineffect to limit the use of such fluorinated hydrocarbons asrefrigerants.

With the above in mind, cooling systems that employ thermoelectricdevices for cooling are preferred over vapor pressure refrigerators. Theuse of thermoelectric devices operating on a direct current (DC) voltagesystem are known in the art and can be employed to maintain a desiredtemperature in refrigerators and portable coolers. One example of acooled container employing a thermoelectric device is described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,726,193 titled “Temperature Controlled Picnic Box.” Thetemperature controlled picnic box is described as having a housing withinsulated walls forming a food compartment, an open top, and a lid forenclosing the food compartment. A thermoelectric device for cooling thepicnic box is connected to the lid by fasteners. The thermoelectricdevice is limited in its capacity to cool the picnic box, and theenclosed food compartment is ill suited for temporary cooling displays.

Other thermoelectric devices used as refrigerators are known. Oneexample is a refrigerator employing super insulation materials andhaving a thermoelectric cooling device disposed within a door, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,216 titled “ThermoelectricRefrigerator.” The thermoelectric refrigerator described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,522,216 includes an airflow management system. The airflowmanagement system establishes a desired airflow path across the coolingdevice to provide a cooled refrigerator unit. The cooling delivered bythe thermoelectric device is not unlimited, and for this reason,expensive super insulation is positioned around the cabinet to minimizethe cooling loss.

All coolers and refrigerators experience the formation of condensation.Condensation forms whenever warm, humid air from the environmentinteracts with cooled surfaces. For example, humidity in the air willcondense on the cooling elements of the refrigerator or freezer andforms liquid condensate. The liquid condensate builds up within therefrigerator or freezer and can undesirably collect on the products thatare being cooled. To this end, condensates in cooling systems canbuildup and/or eventually drip on the cooled products.

Regardless of the approach for cooling the contained product, littlethought, if any, has been given to enhancing the appearance of thecooling display itself, let alone to enticing or encouraging customersor potential customers to approach the display and consider purchasingproduct. While standalone promotional signage may be located in closeproximity to the cooled display, many customers are not overly enticedto view the contained product. In fact, the temporary nature ofconventional cooled product displays, some consumers may naturally bedisinclined to approach the display unit due to the oftentimesrudimentary appearance of the display unit itself. In fact, productsellers (e.g., grocers) demand that the cooled display units be asinexpensive as possible in that they are used for only short periods oftime, and thus are unwilling to invest in costly advertising implements.

Grocers and merchandisers have a need to display perishable and frozenfood items during temporary displays such as promotional events. Theknown temporary cooling displays can be generally characterized asinefficient in the case of disposable cases, and expensive in the caseof refrigerated or freezer cases. Further, the absence of customerenticement features may limit the overall usefulness of conventional,temporary cooling displays. Therefore, a need exists for a portablecooled merchandizing unit that encourages customer interaction and isinexpensive to operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some aspects in accordance with the present disclosure relate to aportable cooled merchandizing unit. The merchandizing unit includes aproduct container assembly, a door assembly, a cooling assembly, apowered customer enticement device, and a power unit. The productcontainer assembly defines an interior region for containing products.The door assembly is connected to the product container assembly andincludes a movable door that permits selective access to the internalregion. The cooling assembly is connected to the product containerassembly and includes a powered cooling device. With this construction,the cooling assembly operates to cool the interior region. The poweredcustomer enticement device is maintained relative to the productcontainer assembly and is adapted to encourage customer interest in themerchandizing unit. In this regard, the enticement device includes apowered component. Finally, the power unit includes a power supplyelectrically connectable to an external power source, with each of thepowered cooling device and the power component of the enticement devicebeing electrically coupled to the power supply. With this configuration,the common power supply serves to power both the cooling assembly aswell as the customer enticement device. In some embodiments, the coolingassembly includes a thermoelectric device. In other embodiments, thecustomer enticement device includes one or more of lights, displays,sounds, smells, etc.

Other aspects in accordance with principles of the present disclosurerelate to a method of displaying consumable products to a customer at aplace of business. The method includes providing a portable cooledmerchandising unit as described above in which the power unit includes asingle power cord electrically connected to the common power supply. Themerchandising unit is moved to a desired location at the place ofbusiness, with the power cord electrically connected to an electricaloutlet. The plurality of products are placed in the interior region,with the cooling assembly operating to cool the products and thecustomer enticement device operating to encourage customers to approachthe merchandising unit. In this regard, operation of the coolingassembly and the customer enticement device includes powering thepowered cooling device and the power component of the customerenticement device via the common power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily toscale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designatecorresponding similar parts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable cooled merchandising unitaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portable cooled merchandising unitaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the portable cooledmerchandising unit of FIG. 2 as assembled;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portable cooled merchandisingunit of FIG. 3 showing a product container assembled within aninsulating assembly according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5A is a side, perspective view of a portion of an alternativeembodiment cooled merchandising unit in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of an exterior frame and interior containercomponents of the merchandising unit of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a side, cross-sectional view of a portion of the unit of FIG.5A;

FIG. 5D is a simplified, top cross-sectional view of a portion of themerchandising unit of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is the front cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 with arrowsindicating an airflow pattern in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment cooledmerchandising unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the merchandising unit of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of pan and drain tube components of themerchandising unit of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of another alternativeembodiment cooled merchandising unit in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the merchandising unit of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective, exploded view of another embodiment portablecooled merchandising unit in accordance with principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are top views of a portion of a housing associatedwith the merchandising unit of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are front views of the merchandizing unit of FIG. 14upon final assembly, illustrating removal/insertion of an exteriorpanel;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the merchandizing unit of FIG. 11 uponfinal assembly;

FIG. 15A is an exploded view of portions of the unit of FIG. 11,including a door assembly, a product container assembly, and a backpanel module;

FIG. 15B is an exploded view of a portion of the door assembly of FIG.15A;

FIG. 16 is an exploded, perspective view of a cooling assembly portionof the unit of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the unit of FIG. 11 upon finalassembly;

FIG. 18 is a schematic electrical diagram of circuitry associated withthe unit of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 19 is a front, perspective view of the unit of FIG. 11 upon finalassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A portable cooled merchandizing unit 10 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As usedthroughout the specification, the term “cooled” is in reference totemperatures below normal room temperature, and includes temperatureranges both above freezing (e.g., 32° F.-50° F.; akin to a refrigerator)and at or below freezer (e.g., 0° F.-32° F.; akin to a freezer). FIG. 1illustrates the merchandizing unit 10 in an assembled state, and FIG. 2illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the merchandizing unit 10.With this in mind, the portable cooled merchandizing unit 10 generallyincludes a housing 12, a thermoelectric assembly 14, a transitionassembly 16, and a product container assembly 18. Details on the variouscomponents are provided below. In general terms, however, the housing 12surrounds the thermoelectric assembly 14, the transition assembly 16,and the product container assembly 18. The transition assembly 16provides a fluid interface between the thermoelectric assembly 14 andthe product container assembly 18, facilitating cooling of product (notshown) contained by the product container assembly 18 via the operationof the thermoelectric assembly 14.

The housing 12 includes opposing faces 20 and opposing sides 21 that areattached to and extend upwardly from a bottom plate 22. In theperspective view of FIG. 1, one of the faces 20 is visible as is one ofthe sides 21, the opposing respective face and side being blocked fromview in the depiction of FIG. 1. The faces 20 and sides 21 combine todefine an open top 23 (best shown in FIG. 2) opposite the bottom plate22. While the housing 12 is depicted in the Figures as having arectangular or square shape, other configurations can also be employed.For example, the housing 12 can have a shape suggestive of product (notshown) contained by the merchandizing unit 10 (e.g., a vercon shapecommonly associated with Yoplait® yogurt containers, etc.).

In a further embodiment, a graphic or display (not shown) is applied toor formed by an exterior of the housing 12. For example, in oneembodiment, a wrappable graphic system (not shown) is applied over thehousing 12. The wrappable graphic system can be made out of paperboardor other printable material that allows for graphics of the unit 10 tobe changed without altering more generic graphics permanently appliedto/formed by an exterior of the housing 12. The wrappable graphic systemis preferably foldable or wrappable about the housing 12, such asproviding an enlarged, flexible panel having a connecting device (e.g.,a zipper) at opposing ends thereof to facilitate easy removal. Thewrappable graphic system can be adapted for more rigid securement to thehousing 12 by including scored flaps that fold under the bottom plate22. In one embodiment, flaps are held in place relative to the housing12/bottom plate 22 by semi-permanent tape. With this construction, theflaps can be easily lifted along the semi-permanent tape. By positioningthe semi-permanent tape at or along the bottom plate 22, the tape willbe in a horizontal plane (relative to an upright orientation of the unit10) and thus is not in a shear mode for more effectively holding thewrappable graphic system panel, and does not contact sides of thehousing 12 in a manner that might otherwise damage the housing 12 sideswhen removing the wrappable graphic system. Conversely, in oneembodiment, a top of the wrappable graphic system is frictionally heldbetween the housing 12 and a door assembly described below.

The bottom plate 22 defines, in one embodiment, a first opening 24 and asecond opening 26, the openings 24, 26 providing air access and egressfor the unit 10. Specifically, in one embodiment the first opening 24 isan air inlet and the second opening 26 is an air outlet. The openings24, 26 are depicted as rectangular holes, although other shapes andsizes for the openings 24, 26 are equally acceptable.

Wheels or casters 28 are, in one embodiment, connected to the housingbottom plate 22 to facilitate moving of the merchandizing unit 10, forexample when positioning the merchandizing unit 10 for display in agrocery store. In one embodiment, four wheels 28 are connected to thebottom plate 22, although only two of the wheels 28 are visible in theillustrations of FIGS. 1 and 2. In a preferred embodiment, the wheels 28are tucked under the housing 12 such that the wheels 22 are safelypositioned away from foot traffic and permit multiple merchandizingunits 10 to be aligned side-by-side. Alternatively, components otherthan wheels/casters can be employed to raise the bottom plate 22relative to a floor.

In one embodiment, an air baffle 30 is secured to the bottom plate 22 asbest shown in FIG. 3. The air baffle 30 is positioned between the firstand second openings 24, 26 and extends below the bottom plate 22(relative to an upright orientation of the merchandizing unit 10) adistance at least approximating a height of the wheels 28 (or any othercomponent that raises the bottom plate 22 relative to a floor on whichthe merchandising unit 10 is located). In one embodiment, the air baffle30 is semi-flexible or rigid with a predetermined shape (e.g., a plasticmaterial having an appropriate thickness to impart desired flexibility,or similar material) and extends slightly beyond a height of the wheels28 (thus contacting/dragging along the floor on which the merchandisingunit 10 is located). Regardless, the air baffle 30 serves to isolateairflow between the first and second openings 24, 26, and thus incomingand outgoing airflow relative to the merchandising unit 10, as describedbelow. With this in mind, the air baffle 30 can assume a wide variety offorms and can be connected to the bottom plate 22 in any conventionalfashion (e.g., mechanical fasteners such as staples, screws, adhesive,etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the air baffle 30 can beeliminated.

In one embodiment, the merchandising unit 10 further includes a doorassembly 32, apart from the housing 12, that includes a sash or flange34 and a door 36. The door 36 is hingedly attached to the sash 34 suchthat the door 36 can open and close relative to the product containerassembly 18 upon final assembly. For example, in one embodiment, thedoor 36 includes a handle 38 positioned opposite a hinge point 40(referenced generally) at which the door 36 is pivotally attached to thesash 34. Upon final assembly, the door 36 is inclined downwardly (i.e.,the handle 38 is “below” the hinge point 40), such that the door 36naturally assumes a closed position via gravity. For example, theproduct container assembly 18, to which the sash 34 is assembled, candefine the downward inclination of the door 36. In one embodiment, toensure that the door 36 is not opened beyond a perpendicular orientationrelative to the sash 34 (that might otherwise cause the door 36 toundesirably remain open after a consumer has accessed an interior of theunit 10), the door 36 defines a stop 42 adjacent the hinge point 40. Thestop 42 projects from a plane of the door 36 and contacts the sash 34(with rotation of the door 36 relative to the sash 34) prior to the door36 moving to or beyond a perpendicular orientation. In alternativeembodiments, the stop 42 can be formed on the sash 34 or simplyeliminated. Alternatively, other constructions permitting movement ofthe door 36 are equally acceptable. In one embodiment, the door 36 is atwo-ply construction consisting of two, separated sheets of plastic,preferably clear plastic. This one preferred construction provides anincreased insulation factor (as opposed to a single sheet), whileallowing a consumer to view an interior of the product containerassembly 18. Alternatively, the door 36 can assume a variety of otherforms, such as a single sheet of opaque material.

Regardless, in one embodiment, the door assembly 32 is removably coupledto the top 23 of the housing 12 and/or the product container assembly 18such that the door assembly 32 can be entirely disassembled from thehousing 12 and/or the product container assembly 18 when desired. Asdescribed in greater detail below, this one embodiment constructionfacilitates entire replacement and/or replenishing of goods (not shown)within the product container assembly 18, including replacement of aportion of the product container assembly 18. In one embodiment, pushpins (not shown) or similar components are employed to secure the doorassembly 32 to the housing 12/product container assembly 18 in a mannerthat makes it difficult for a consumer to easily remove the doorassembly 32. Alternatively, the door assembly 32 can be even morepermanently affixed to the housing 12 and/or the product containerassembly 18.

With additional reference to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the sash 34forms a flange 44 for supporting the door 36 in a closed position. Agasket 46 is provided, in one embodiment, between a perimeter of thedoor 36/flange 44 interface to minimize condensation along the door 36due to environmental air. Further, and in another embodiment, aninsulating body 48 (such as a thin foam or tape) is applied along aninterior surface of a portion of the flange 48. In particular, theinsulating body 48 is located along an area of the door assembly 32otherwise in direct contact with forced, cooled air as described below.The insulating body 48 serves to reduce or eliminate condensation fromforming as the cooled air is forced toward the door assembly 32.Alternatively, the insulating body 48 can be a deflector body or otherstructure that routes forced, cooled air away from the door 36 to againavoid condensation from forming on the door 36. For example, in a morepreferred embodiment described below, the product container assembly 18is configured to provide a deflector body. Alternatively, one or both ofthe gasket 46 and/or insulating body 48 can be eliminated.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the thermoelectric assembly 14includes, in one embodiment, electrical boxes 50, a power control unit52, a thermoelectric device 54, a first fan 56, a second fan 58 (shownin FIG. 3), a third fan 59 (represented schematically in FIG. 3 for easeof illustration), a cold sink 60, a hot sink 62, and a frame 64encircling the components 50-62. As described in greater detail below,the thermoelectric device 54 operates, via the power control unit 52, tocool the cold sink 60. The first fan 56 directs airflow over the coldsink 60, the second fan 58 directs airflow over the hot sink 62, and thethird fan 59 creates a positive airflow to direct airflow over collectedcondensate and exhausts air from the unit 10.

The electrical boxes 50 encompass the power control unit 52 that is inturn electrically connected to a power cord 66 of the thermoelectricassembly 14. In this regard, the power cord 66 supplies alternatingcurrent (AC) power to the control unit 52, and the control unit 52converts the AC power to direct current (DC) power. To this end, and inone embodiment, the control unit 52 is adapted to meter the DC power tothe thermoelectric device 54 such that the thermoelectric device 54 hasa sufficient flow of DC power even in low-use (i.e., “sleep”) modes. Thecontrol unit 52 regulates DC power flow to the thermoelectric device 54to optimally power the device 54 during high peak usage, and the controlunit 52 also ensures that some DC power is delivered to thethermoelectric device 54 during low use, or sleep, periods such that thethermoelectric device 54 is coolingly maintained in an “on” state.

In one embodiment, the control unit 52 utilizes a pulse width modulationcontrol sequence to achieve optimal temperature control. In particular,the control unit 52 includes, or is connected to, a temperature sensor(not shown) located to sense temperatures at or in the product containerassembly 18. When the sensed temperature at the product containerassembly 18 is determined to be decreasing, the control unit 52modulates power delivered to the thermoelectric device 54 by pulsing thedelivered power in a linear fashion to decrease cooling provided by thethermoelectric device 54. With larger sensed temperature drops, thedelivered power is pulsed more frequently (such that cooling provided bythe thermoelectric device 54 decreases) more rapidly. Conversely, wherethe sensed temperature at the product container assembly 18 isdetermined to be increasing or rising, the control unit 52 operates toprovide a more steady power supply (i.e., decrease in the frequency ofpulsed off power), thereby providing more power to the thermoelectricdevice 54 (and thus increasing cooling provided by the thermoelectricdevice 54). The determination of whether temperature at the productcontainer assembly 18 is increasing or decreasing can be made withreference to a previously sensed temperature (e.g., when currentlysensed temperature exceeds previously sensed temperature (taken atpre-determined intervals) by a pre-determined value, it is determinedthat the product container assembly 18 is “cooling”, such that frequencyof pulsed power is increased). Alternatively, the sensed temperature canbe compared to a pre-determined value(s) or parameters. For example, thecontrol unit 52 can be programmed to decrease pulsing when the sensedtemperature exceeds 34° F., and increase pulsing when the sensedtemperature drops below 30° F. Alternatively, other temperaturedifferential parameters can be employed (e.g., when operating the unit10 as a freezer). The control unit 52 can, in one embodiment, operate toperform other temperature control functions, such as a defrost cycle inwhich the control unit 52 discontinues the delivery of power to thethermoelectric device 54 for a predetermined time period atpredetermined intervals (e.g., power to the thermoelectric device 54 isstopped for five minutes every twelve hours), allowing the productcontainer assembly 18 to heat and thus melt any accumulated frozencondensate.

Alternatively, the control unit 52 can employ any other controlsequence/operations for controlling power delivery to the thermoelectricdevice. Pointedly, in one alternative embodiment, the control unit 52does not perform any power control sequence such that a continuoussupply of power is delivered to the thermoelectric device 54. Further,the sensed temperature can be displayed to users, such as by a display67 carried by the door assembly 32. Alternatively, the display 67 can beeliminated.

The thermoelectric device 54 utilizes DC power to cool the productcontainer assembly 18 in the following manner. For example, in oneembodiment, the thermoelectric device 54 includes two opposing ceramicwafers (not shown) having a series of P and N doped bismuth-telluridesemiconductors layered between the ceramic wafers. The P-typesemiconductor has a deficit of electrons and the N-type semiconductorhas an excess of electrons. When the DC power is applied to thethermoelectric device 54, a temperature difference is created across theP and N-type semiconductors and electrons move from the P-type to theN-type semiconductor. In this manner, the electrons move to a higherenergy state, as known in the art, thus absorbing thermal energy andforming a cold region (i.e., the cold sink 60). The electrons at theN-type semiconductor continue through the series of semiconductors toarrive at the P-type semiconductor, where the electrons drop to a lowerenergy state and release energy as heat to a hot region (i.e., the hotsink 64). The above-described flow of electrons driven through P andN-type semiconductors by DC power is known in the art as the PeltierEffect. Peltier Effect thermoelectric devices can be beneficiallyemployed as cooling devices (or reversed to create a heating device). Inany regard, suitable thermoelectric devices for implementing embodimentsof the present invention are known and commercially available.

The thermoelectric device 54 is coupled to the cold sink 60 and the hotsink 62 of the thermoelectric assembly 14. The cold and hot sinks 60, 62are made of an appropriate material, such as aluminum or copper,although other known heat sink materials are equally acceptable. To thisend, reference to the sink 60 as a “cold” sink and the sink 62 as a“hot” sink reflects a temperature of the sink 60, 62 when the unit 10operates in a cooling mode (i.e., the sink 60 is “cold” and the sink 62is “hot”); however, it should be understood that both of the sinks 60,62 are, and can be referred to as, “heat sinks”. This explanation isreflective of the fact that the sink 60 is equally capable as serving asa “hot” sink and the sink 62 as a “cold” sink, such as, for example,when the unit 10 operates in a defrost mode, as described elsewhere.

The fans 56, 58, 59 are electrical fans having propellers adapted formoving air when rotated. The first fan 56 is electrically coupled to thepower control unit 52 and is positioned to draw air from the productcontainer assembly 18 across the cold sink 60 and direct cooled air backto the product container assembly 18, as described in detail below. Thesecond fan 58 is electrically coupled to the power control unit 52 andis positioned to direct air across the hot sink 62. Finally, the thirdfan 59 is electrically coupled to the power control unit 52 and ispositioned to direct airflow across collected condensate and exhaust airout of the merchandising unit 10, as described in greater detail below.While the merchandising unit 10 has been described as including three ofthe fans 56, 58, 59, any other number can alternatively be employed. Forexample, the unit 10 can include only a single fan that effectuatesdesired airflow relative to the thermoelectric device 54.

The frame 64 is, in one embodiment, an insulating frame and is formed ofa lightweight, thermally insulting material. Suitable lightweight,insulating materials include, but are not limited to, rigid foamedpolymers, open cell foams, closed cell foams. As an example, in oneembodiment, the frame 64 is formed of polystyrene foam, although a widevariety of other rigid materials (e.g., polyurethane or polyethylene)are equally acceptable. In one embodiment, and with specific referenceto FIG. 3, the frame 64 supports the thermoelectric device 54 andrelated components, and forms a conduit 68 and a reservoir 70. Theconduit 68 extends in a vertical fashion (relative to the orientation ofFIG. 3), and is open at opposing ends thereof. The thermoelectric device54 and related components are mounted to an end of the conduit 68opposing the bottom plate 22 (upon final assembly). To this end, and inone embodiment, the conduit 68 orients the thermoelectric device 54 andrelated components in horizontally declined fashion (as shown in FIG.3). With this configuration, condensation on the cold sink 60 is guided(via gravity) away from the thermoelectric device 54/cold sink 60 forcollection in the reservoir 70 as described below. Regardless, thesecond fan 58 is disposed within, or is otherwise fluidly connected to,the conduit 68, for drawing external air (via the opening 24 in thebottom plate 22) across the hot sink 62.

With reference to the cross-section shown in FIG. 3, the housing 12defines a lower enclosed region 72 and an upper enclosed region 74. Thethermoelectric assembly 14 is disposed in the lower enclosed region 72and rests on the bottom plate 22 (alternatively, the thermoelectricassembly 14 can be more permanently mounted to the bottom plate 22). Thethermoelectric device 54 and the fans 56, 58 are positioned above thefirst opening 24. In this regard, the first fan 56 is disposed above thethermoelectric device 54 and adapted to direct air cooled by the coldsink 60 across and upward into the product container assembly 18. Thesecond fan 58 is positioned adjacent to the hot sink 62 and adapted toblow air across the hot sink 62 to convectively remove heat from the hotsink 62, thereby driving the Peltier Effect. The third fan 59 moves airover the reservoir 70 to evaporate collected condensate, and outwardlyfrom the merchandizing unit 10 via the second opening 26 in the bottomplate 22. Because the air being moved by the third fan 59 is heated (viainterface with the hot sink 62), it is thus expanded and more able toabsorb moisture particles. Notably, the air baffle 30 prevents outgoingheated air (at the second opening 26) from mixing with incoming air (atthe first opening 24), as it is desirable for incoming air to not beartificially heated (and thus more capable of driving the thermoelectricdevice 54).

The transition assembly 16 includes a frame 72 and a drain tube 74. Theframe 72 is adapted for mounting to the frame 64 of the thermoelectricassembly 14 and surrounds the thermoelectric device 54, such that thethermoelectric device 54 is insulated. The frame 72 maintains the draintube 74 that is otherwise fluidly connected to a passage 75 in a floor76 of the frame 72, as shown generally in FIG. 3. An upper surface ofthe floor 76 is horizontally declined in manner similar to theorientation of the thermoelectric device 54 and related components suchthat condensate from the cold sink 60 flows along the floor 70 to thepassage 76 and then through the drain tube 74. In one embodiment, thedrain tube 74 is J-shaped, and extends to the reservoir 70 upon finalassembly. Alternatively, other configurations for delivering condensateto the reservoir 70 can also be employed. In addition, a bottom surfaceof the floor 76 defines a channel 78 that is configured to directairflow from the second fan 58 toward the second opening 26 in thebottom plate 22. Regardless, in one embodiment, the drain tube 74 issealed within the frame 72 except at the passage 76; this feature, incombination with the preferred J-shape of the drain tube 74 renders thedrain tube 74 as a P-trap that maintains a liquid seal between the coldsink 60 and the hot sink 62 to prevent warm air return or migration.

The product container assembly 18 includes an exterior frame 80 and aninterior container 82 (drawn generically in FIG. 2), as best shown inFIG. 2. Upon final assembly, the exterior frame 80 and the interiorcontainer 82 combine to form a first air plenum or passageway 84 and asecond air plenum or passageway 86 as identified in FIG. 3. To this end,and with additional reference to FIG. 4, the exterior frame 80 definesinner wall faces 90, 92, 94, and 96 and the interior container 82 hasrespective panels 100, 102, 104, and 106 that are dimensioned such thatthe panels 100, 102 nest against the respective faces 90, 92 and panels104, 106 are spaced from the respective faces 94 and 96 to form the airplenums 84, 86.

The interior container 82 includes a floor 110 for supporting products114 (shown schematically in FIGS. 3 and 4). The panels 100, 102, 104,and 106 of the interior container 82 extend from the floor 110 andcombine to define an interior region 116 terminating at a major opening118 (FIGS. 2 and 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the air plenums 84, 86 arefluidly connected to the interior region 116 opposite the floor 110 viathe major opening 118 to allow airflow into and out of the interiorregion 1 16. Further, the interior region 116 is accessible, via themajor opening 118, upon opening of the door 40 to facilitate placementand/or removal of the products 114 in the unit 10.

In one embodiment, the interior container 82 is disposed within theexterior frame 80 such that the panels 100, 102 of the interiorcontainer 82 frictionally fit against the respective wall faces 90, 92of the exterior frame 80. To offset the panels 104, 106 of the interiorcontainer 82 from the faces 94 and 96 of the exterior frame 80, offsetextensions 120, 122, 124, and 126 are formed by the exterior frame 80,as illustrated in FIG. 4. The offset extensions 120, 122, 124, 126 aredepicted as uniformly orthogonal, however other shapes are acceptable.In particular, in one embodiment, the offset extensions 120, 122, 124,and 126 are formed at respective interior corners of the exterior frame80 to structurally separate the panels 104, 106 of the interiorcontainer 82 from the faces 94 and 96 of the exterior frame 80, thusforming the respective first and second air plenums 84, 86. For example,the offset extensions 120, 122 project inward (i.e., toward the interiorcontainer 82) to define a relief slot that, in combination with thepanel 104, forms the first air plenum 84 along an exterior portion ofthe panel 104. Similarly, the offset extensions 124, 126 project inwardto define another relief slot that forms the second air plenum 86 incombination with an exterior portion of the panel 106. In this manner,the respective air plenums 84, 86 are formed as channels between theexterior frame 80 and the interior container 82. In a more preferredalternative embodiment described below, the faces 94, 96 of the exteriorframe 80 form a series of channels that in turn define a series ofplenum-like regions upon assembly of the interior container 82 withinthe exterior frame 80. Thus, the exterior frame 80 can have a widevariety of configurations apart from that shown capable of establishingairflow channels relative to an exterior of the panels 104, 106 of theinterior container 82.

The air plenums 84, 86 are generally rectangular and define anapproximately constant cross-sectional area as best shown in FIG. 3,although other shapes and conformations are equally acceptable. Forexample, the air plenums 84, 86 are each depicted as havingapproximately uniform cross-sections along their respective lengthsextending between the transition assembly 16 to the door assembly 32. Inthis regard, the airflow up one plenum, for example the air plenum 86,balances with airflow down the other plenum, for example the air plenum84. In this manner, the mass of airflows into and out of the interiorcontainer 82 is balanced. Alternately, the air plenums 84, 86 need notbe mirror images. That is, the air plenums 84, 86 can define othergeometries, for example converging and diverging airflow geometries,such that the airflow into and out of the interior container 82, whilenot identically balanced, still provides efficient cooling of theproducts 1 14. Further, a plurality of air plenums can be formedrelative to each of the panels 104, 106 of the interior container 82.

In one embodiment, the interior container 82 is removably secured withinthe exterior frame 80 such that the interior container 82 can bewithdrawn from the exterior frame 80 when desired. For example, theinterior container 82 can be loaded with product apart from the exteriorframe 80 (and other components of the merchandising unit 10) andsubsequently loaded into the exterior frame 80. To this end, the oneembodiment in which the entire door assembly 32 is removably mountedrelative to the product container assembly 18 promotes easy removal andreplacement of the interior container 82. Alternatively, the exteriorframe 80 and the interior container 82 can be integrally formed and/orassume other shapes or configurations varying from those depicted in theFigures. For example, the exterior frame 80/interior container 82 can beshaped to mimic a shape of the product(s) 114 contained therein.Additionally, a lighting source (e.g., light emitting diodes (LED)) canbe added to an exterior of the housing 12, door assembly 32, and/or theinterior container 82 to provide enhanced visibility of the product 114and/or consumer awareness of the unit 10. In one embodiment in whichLEDs are used as the lighting source, the enhanced visibility isachieved without generating heat and while remaining within voltagelimitations or considerations of the unit 10.

In a more preferred alternative embodiment, the interior container 82 isadapted to effectuate a more positive airflow across the plenums 84, 86.In particular, FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an alternative embodiment coolingunit 150 including an interior container 152 secured within an exteriorframe 154 (it being understood that the unit 150 can further include ahousing akin to the housing 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2) previously described). Aswith previous embodiments, the interior container 152 and the exteriorframe 154 combine to define air plenums 84′ and 86′ (FIG. 5C). However,the interior container 152 and the exterior frame 154 are adapted tobetter direct and control airflow.

The interior container 152 includes and integrally forms opposing sidepanels 156, opposing first and second end panels 158, 160, a flange 162,and a floor 164 (FIG. 5C). The flange 162 extends, in one embodiment,radially outwardly from the panels 156-160 opposite the floor 164. Asdescribed below, the flange 162 is adapted for selective mounting to theexterior frame 154. The interior container 152 is adapted to optimizeairflow via apertures or windows 168 in the first end panels 158 andapertures or windows 170 (hidden in FIG. 5A) in the second end panels160. Each of the apertures 168, 170 extend through a thickness of thecorresponding panels 158, 160, establishing an airflow path between anexterior of the interior container 152 and an interior region 172 (FIG.5C). Upon final assembly, and as described below, the first end panelapertures 168 allow airflow from the air plenum 84′ to the interiorregion 172, and the second end panel apertures 170 facilitate airflowfrom the interior region 172 to the air plenum 86′.

The exterior frame 154 is similar to the exterior frame 80 (FIG. 2)previously described, and includes opposing side walls 174, first andsecond end walls 176, 178, and a bottom (not shown). The walls 174-178combine to define an opening 180 sized to receive the interior container152. To this end, and in one embodiment, a ledge 182 (best shown in FIG.5C) is formed along the walls 174-178 and is adapted to receive theflange 162 of the interior container 152. In addition, in one preferredembodiment, the first end wall 176 forms, or has attached thereto, aninwardly-extending deflector body 184 (best shown in FIG. 5C). Thedeflector body 184 defines a guide surface 186 oriented and positionedto direct airflow from (or as a terminating part of) the air plenum 84′toward the first end panel apertures 168 (and thus the interior region172) upon final assembly of the interior container 152 and exteriorframe 154. In one embodiment, the guide surface 186 is curved orarcuate, providing a smooth airflow guide. Regardless, the deflectorbody 184 (as well as the flange 162) separates the door assembly 32(drawn schematically in FIG. 5C) from the air plenum 84′. Thus, airflowfrom the supply plenum 84′ does not interface with the door assembly 32.Further, where the deflector body 184 is formed of an insulativematerial (e.g., foam), possible heat transfer at the door assembly 32due to the cooled nature of air through the supply plenum 84′ isminimal. In this manner, condensate is less likely to form along thedoor assembly 32.

In addition, in one embodiment, the exterior frame end walls 176, 178form a plurality of longitudinal channels 188 (FIG. 5A) along an innerface 190, 192, respectively, thereof (it being understood that the inview of FIG. 5A, the channels associated with the first end wall 176 arehidden). The channels 188 are sized and positioned to correspond withrespective ones of the apertures 168 or 170 upon final assembly. Forexample FIG. 5D illustrates a simplified, partial, top cross-sectionalview of the assembled interior container 152/exterior frame 154, and inparticular a relationship between the second end panel 160 of theinterior container 152 and the second end wall 178 of the exterior frame154. As shown, the channels 188 defined by the exterior frame second endwall 178 are generally aligned with the apertures 170 of the interiorcontainer second end panel 160. In one embodiment, the channels 188effectively establish a plurality of the return plenums 86′, althoughthe interior container second end panel 160 need not necessarily besealed against the inner face 192 of the exterior frame second end wall178 such that only a single return plenum 86′ is defined. Alternatively,the channels 188 can be eliminated, as with the exterior frame 80 (FIG.2) previously described. Regardless, and with specific reference to thearrows in FIG. 5C, during use, cooled airflow is directed through thesupply plenum(s) 84′, through the apertures 168 (via the deflector body184), and into the interior region 172. Simultaneously, airflow isdirected from the interior region 172, through the apertures 170, andinto the return plenum(s) 86′ for subsequent cooling as previouslydescribed.

Returning to the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, the merchandizing unit 10 isassembled by securing the frame 72 of the transition assembly 16 ontothe frame 64 of the thermoelectric assembly 14 as shown in FIG. 3. Tothis end, the floor 76 of the frame 72 is secured about thethermoelectric device 54, supporting the horizontally declinedorientation of the thermoelectric device 54 and related components(e.g., the fans 56, 58 and the heat sinks 60, 62). The thermoelectricassembly 14/transition assembly 16 is then placed within the housing 12such that the frame 64 of the thermoelectric assembly 14 rests on thebottom plate 22. In particular, the conduit 68 is fluidly aligned withthe first opening 24 in the bottom plate 22, whereas the reservoir 70 isfluidly open to the second opening 26. The product container assembly 18is then positioned within the housing 12, secured to the frame 72 of thetransition assembly 16. Finally, the door assembly 32 is mounted to theproduct container assembly 18 such that the door 36 is over the majoropening 118 of the interior container 82. With this one construction(and with the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5D), the thermoelectricdevice 54 and related components (in particular, the cold sink 60 andthe first fan 56) are positioned below (relative to an uprightorientation of the unit 10) the floor 110 of the interior container 82.Thus, the thermoelectric device 54, the cold sink 60, and the first fan56 are not above the interior container 82 therein. As described ingreater detail below, this preferred construction obviates possible flowof condensation from the cold sink 60 onto the product 114.Alternatively, the merchandising unit 10 can be configured such that thethermoelectric device 54, the cold sink 60, and/or the first fan 56 arepositioned to a side of the interior container 82.

In one embodiment as best shown in FIG. 3, upon final assembly the airplenums 84, 86 extend from the thermoelectric assembly 14 to the majoropening 118, and thus are fluidly connected to the interior region 116when the door 36 is “closed”. To facilitate air movement between the airplenums 84, 86 (and with the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5D), inone embodiment the transition assembly 16 and the product containerassembly 18 combine to define a transition plenum 130 that fluidlyconnects the first and second plenums 84, 86. With this construction,airflow can circulate (via the first fan 56) from the thermoelectricdevice 54, through the transition plenum 130, through the first plenum84, and into the interior region 116; from the interior region 116,through the second plenum 86, and back to the thermoelectric device 54.

When assembled and operated, the products 114 are cooled by a cascadingflow of cooled air into the interior region 116 of the interiorcontainer 82 and onto the products 114. In particular, the convectivecooling of the products 114 is facilitated by circulation of cooled airthrough the air plenums 84, 86. In a preferred embodiment, the first fan56 is employed to draw air across the cold sink 60, thus cooling theair, and forcing the cooled air through the transition plenum 130 and up(with respect to the orientation of FIG. 3) the first or supply plenum84 and into the major opening 118 of the interior container 82. Thecooled air cascades into the interior region 116, cooling the products114. Airflow is simultaneously drawn (via operation of the first fan 56)from the interior region 116 via the major opening 118, down through thesecond or return plenum 86. This returned air is drawn across the coldsink 60 and thus cooled before being directed to the supply plenum 84.As previously described, the thermoelectric device 54 operates tocontinuously cool the cold sink 60. In addition, the second fan 58directs air across the hot sink 62 to dissipate heat from the hot sink62, thus driving the Peltier Effect of the thermoelectric device 54(i.e., an increase in the removal of heat from the hot sink 62 coupleswith an increase in thermal absorption at the cold sink 60, thus thethermoelectric device 54 “resonates” and cools more effectively). Thealternative embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5D operates in an identical manner.

In addition, any condensate that might form on the thermoelectric device54/cold sink 60 is transported via the drain tube 74 into the reservoir70. Specifically, condensation that forms on or near the thermoelectricdevice 54 is channeled along the floor 76 of the frame 72 and expelled,via the passage 75, through the drain tube 74 into the reservoir 70. Inone embodiment, airflow from the first fan 56 serves to further sweep ordirect condensate along the floor 76 toward the passage 75/drain tube74. In a preferred embodiment, the third fan 58 is operated to evaporatemoisture collected within the reservoir 70.

In a preferred embodiment, the thermoelectric device 54 is positionedunder the interior container 82, and more specifically, under the floor110 of the interior container 82. With this in mind, any condensateformed on or near the thermoelectric device 54 cannot drip into theinterior container 82, or onto the products 114 in the interiorcontainer 82. In fact, condensate that forms on the thermoelectricdevice 54 is expelled through the drain tube 74 to the reservoir 70where the moisture is retained until it is removed or convectivelyevaporated by the fan 59. Therefore, the airflow through the air plenums84, 86 cools the products 114, and condensate that might form on or nearthe thermoelectric device 54 is transported away from the productcontainer assembly 18 and subsequently evaporated.

Consonant with the above description, in one embodiment air iscirculated through the merchandising unit 10 (and the merchandising unit150 of FIGS. 5A-5D) in a “one way” flow path. FIG. 6 illustrates airflowpatterns associated with the first fan 56 (arrows “A”), the second fan58 (arrows “B”), and the third fan 59 (arrow “C”). In an alternateembodiment and returning to FIG. 3, the air plenums 84, 86 are eachemployed to facilitate the delivery of cooled air from thethermoelectric device 54 into the interior container 82. That is to say,in one embodiment the air plenums 84, 86 are each operated as a supplyplenum adapted to blow cooled air into the interior container 82 andonto the products 114.

An example of the portable cooled merchandizing unit 10 employed to coolproducts 114 in a grocer's display area is described with reference toFIG. 3. The products can assume a wide variety of forms, and need not beidentical (in terms of packaging shape and/or contents). For example,the products 114 can be packaged food items that are normally cooledsuch as dairy products, meat products, produce, frozen food items, etc.,to name but a few. During use, the portable merchandizing unit 10 istypically positioned in a high traffic area of the grocery store andoperated to cool the products 114 in the interior container 82. In thisregard, multiple merchandizing units 10 can be positioned side-by-side,especially during promotional events. The wheels 28 elevate the housing12 off of the display floor (not shown) to facilitate air movement intothe air intake 24 and out of the air outlet 26 of the bottom plate 22,with the air baffle 30 preventing mixing of heated air from the airoutlet 26 with air entering the air intake 24. In one embodiment, theinterior container 82 is loaded with the product 114 prior to assemblyto the housing 12/exterior frame 80. The door assembly 32 is simplyremoved from the housing 12 and then the interior container 82/product114 is placed within the exterior frame 80. With this one embodiment,multiple interior containers 82 (each containing same or differentproduct 114) can be stored at a separate location and delivered to themerchandizing unit 10 as desired by the user. A partially or completelyempty interior container 82 can be removed and replaced by a secondinterior container 82 having desired product 114. The alternativeembodiment unit 150 of FIGS. 5A-5D is similarly constructed.

The cooled merchandizing units 10, 150 described above are capable ofoperating as refrigeration units or as freezer units. In certainrespects, however, when operated at freezer-like temperatures (e.g., 0°F.-32° F.), it may be necessary to more actively control accumulatedice/water during necessary defrosting cycles. With this in mind, analternative embodiment cooled merchandizing unit 200 in accordance withthe present invention is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In many respects, themerchandizing unit 200 is highly similar to the embodiments 10, 150previously described, and includes a thermoelectric assembly 202, atransition assembly 204, and a product container assembly 206. Inaddition, the merchandizing unit 200 can further include the housing 12(identical to that previously described with respect to FIG. 2), thedoor assembly 32 (identical to that previously described with respect toFIG. 2), and the bottom plate 22 (identical to that previously describedwith respect to FIG. 2) having, for example, the casters 28 or similarsupport bodies and the baffle 30. Regardless, the transition assembly204 supports the product container assembly 206 relative to thethermoelectric assembly 202, and facilitates below-freezing operationsas described below.

The thermoelectric assembly 202 is similar to the thermoelectricassembly 24 (FIG. 2) previously described, and includes a control unit208 (FIG. 7A), a thermoelectric device 210, a heat sink (referenced toherein as “cold sink”) 212, a heat sink (referenced to herein as “hotsink”) 214, first, second, and third fans 216-220 (with the third fan220 being shown schematically in FIG. 7B for ease of illustration), anda frame 222 maintaining the various components 210-220. Assembly andoperation of the thermoelectric device 210 (via the power control unit208 and associated programming) to cool the cold sink 212, as well as tooperate the fans 216-220 is highly similar to that previously describedrelative to the thermoelectric assembly 14, though can incorporateoperational cycling capabilities appropriate for maintaining frozenproduct (not shown) within the product container assembly 206, asdescribed below. To this end, in one embodiment, the thermoelectricdevice 210 includes a plurality of thermoelectric chips for more readilyachieving the large delta T necessary for freezer applications (ascompared to a single chip design normally utilized withrefrigeration-type applications). Thus, the thermoelectric device 210can include a multi-layered or sandwiched chip design as is known in theart; alternatively, a cascading chip design or other configuration isequally acceptable.

Regardless of the exact configuration of the thermoelectric assembly202, when the merchandizing unit 200 is operated to maintain frozenproduct, ice will necessarily accumulate along the cold sink 212. Fromtime-to-time, and as described below, it will be necessary to remove theaccumulated ice via a defrost mode of operation. The transition assembly204 is adapted to consistently promote removal of the melting ice fromthe cold sink 212. In particular, in one embodiment, the transitionassembly 204 includes a frame 230, a pan 232, and a drain tube 234. Theframe 230 is adapted for mounting to the frame 222 of the thermoelectricassembly 202, and maintains the pan 232 and the tube 234. Moreparticularly, the frame 230 defines a floor 236 on which the pan 232rests and forms an aperture (not shown) through which the tube 234passes. With additional reference to FIG. 8, the pan 232 includes a base238 and perimeter side walls 240. The base 238 forms a passage 242 sizedin accordance with the cold sink 212 and the thermoelectric device 210.In particular, the passage 242 is sized such that the base 238 can bedirectly assembled to the cold sink 212. In addition, the base 238 formsan aperture 244 sized for fluid connection to the tube 234.

In one embodiment, the pan 232 is formed of a rigid, heat conductivematerial, preferably aluminum. When assembled to the cold sink 212,then, the pan 232 readily conducts heat (or lack of heat) as generatedby the cold sink 212. Thus, as ice forms within the fins associated withthe cold sink 212 during operation of the unit 200 as a freezer,additional ice will also form within the pan 232. Subsequently, during adefrost operational mode (described below), polarity of thethermoelectric device 210 is reversed, such that the cold sink 212 heatsor becomes a hot sink. This, in turn, causes the accumulated ice tomelt. The side walls 240 maintain the now melted water within the pan232, with an angular orientation of the pan 232 (shown in FIG. 7)directing the water toward the aperture 244, and thus the tube 234. Byway of reference, under most circumstances, the melting of accumulatedice from the cold sink 212 occurs in a relatively slow, continuousfashion. As such, the pan 232 can be of fairly limited size, having alength on the order of 20-40 cm and a width on the order of 10-25 cm.Further, the side walls 240 have a height on the order of 5-10 mm,although other dimensions are equally acceptable. By preferably limitingan overall size of the pan 232, however, savings in material costs arerealized, and only a nominal affect, if any, or airflow through atransition plenum 246 (established between the frame 230 and the productcontainer assembly 206) occurs.

As indicated above, the pan 232 directs water (i.e., melted ice) towardthe aperture 244 and thus the tube 234 via an inclined orientationdictated by the frame 230. In this regard, the frame 222 associated withthe thermoelectric assembly 202 is, in one embodiment, identical to theframe 64 (FIG. 3) previously described and thus forms a reservoir 250(FIG. 7B). Due to the preferred size of the pan 232 as described above,the point at which water drains from the transition assembly 204 isoffset from the reservoir 250 (as compared to the aligned location ofthe passage 75 relative to the reservoir 70 with the embodiment of FIG.3). With this in mind, the tube 234 includes a leading portion 260 and atrailing portion 262. The leading portion 260 defines a J-tube toestablish a P-trap as previously described. The trailing portion 262extends from an end of the leading portion 260 opposite the pan 232 andhas a length sufficient to extend over the reservoir 250 upon finalassembly. As best shown in FIG. 7B, the trailing portion 262 isconfigured such that upon final assembly, a slight, vertically downwardorientation or extension is established so as to ensure desired liquidflow from the pan 232 to the reservoir 250. Subsequently, the third fan220 can be operated to evaporate water collected within the reservoir250 as previously described. At least a section of the leading portion260 of the drain tube 234 is formed of a material conducive for sealedassembly to the pan 232. For example, in one embodiment and withreference to FIG. 8, a leading end 264 of the drain tube 234 is formedof a metal that can be welded to the pan 232. In another embodiment, theleading portion 260 further includes a low heat conducive material(e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.) between the metallic leading end 264 and aremainder of the leading portion 260 (that is otherwise metal to morerigidly define the J-bend) to minimize heat transfer between the coldsink 212/pan 232 and the reservoir 250.

Returning to FIGS. 7A and 7B, when operated to maintain frozen product,the thermoelectric power control unit 208 can make use of a controlsequence differing from that previously described with respect to themerchandizing unit 10, 150. For example, in one embodiment, the controlunit 2-208 includes, or is connected to, a first temperature sensor (notshown) located to sense temperatures at or in the product containerassembly 206 and a second temperature sensor (not shown) positioned tosense temperatures at the cold sink 212. When initially powered, thepower control unit 208 receives temperature information from the firsttemperature sensor. When the sensed temperature within the productcontainer assembly 206 exceeds a set point, the power control unit 208initializes a cooling sequence in which power is delivered to thethermoelectric device 210. In this initial state, both the second andthird fans 218, 220 are powered on. Temperature information from thecold sink 212 (i.e., the second temperature sensor) is then monitored.Once the cold sink 212 temperature is at or below a desired set point(e.g., 32° F.), the control unit 208 initiates operation of the firstfan 216, thereby initiating airflow through the product containerassembly 206 in a manner akin to that previously described with respectto the units 10, 150. As cooled air is delivered to the productcontainer assembly 206, the temperature sensor associated therewith(i.e., the first temperature sensor) provides the control unit 208 withtemperature information. As the temperature within the product containerassembly 206 approaches a pre-determined set point, the control unit 208regulates power delivered to the thermoelectric device 210 via pulsewidth modulation. For example, in one embodiment, the control unit 208operated to reduce power delivered to the thermoelectric device 210 toabout 10% of full power. Conversely, as the temperature within theproduct container assembly 206 is determined to be increasing (i.e.,thereby indicating a demand for increased cooling), the control unit 208operates to increase the pulse width modulation of power delivered tothe thermoelectric device 210 in a ramped manner, increasing powerdelivered to the thermoelectric device 210 back to 100%.

Once again, with the merchandizing unit 200 is operated to maintainfrozen product, ice will accumulate on the cold sink 212, such thatdefrosting is necessary. In one embodiment, the control unit 208 isadapted or programmed to perform a defrost sequence at predeterminedtime intervals (e.g., every 24 hours). In one embodiment, the defrostsequence consists of first ramping down power delivered to thethermoelectric device 210 to 0% over a two minute period. A polarity ofthe DC power current delivered to the thermoelectric device 210 is thenreversed, such that the cold sink 212 heats and the hot sink 214 cools.In one embodiment, this reversed polarity power delivery is ramped up to100% over a two minute period. During this operation, the cold sink 212will quickly rise in temperature (as will the pan 232). Once the controlunit 208 determines that a temperature of the cold sink 212 (via thecold sink temperature sensor) has risen above freezing (i.e., 32° F.),the control unit 208 deactivates the first fan 216. As the cold sink 212(and thus the pan 232) temperature continues to rise, accumulated icewill begin to melt, with the pan 232/tube 234 directing the water to thereservoir 250. Heating of the cold sink 212 continues until atemperature thereof exceeds a predetermined set point (e.g., 50° F.).Once the set point is exceeded, the control unit 208 will begin adefrost sequence termination cycle. For example, in one embodiment, thecontrol unit 208 operates to ramp down power delivered to thethermoelectric device 210 to 0% over a two minute period. Power deliveryremains at 0% for an additional two minute period to allow all defrostedwater to drip from the cold sink 212, draining to the reservoir 250 viathe pan 232/tube 234. The control unit 208 then operates to reversepolarity of the DC power current delivered to the thermoelectric device(i.e., to the normal operating polarity). Power delivered to thethermoelectric device 210, via the control unit 208, is then ramped upover a two minute period to 100%. Once a temperature of the cold sink212 (via the second temperature sensor) is determined to be belowfreezing (e.g., 32° F.), the control unit 208 operates to activate thefirst fan 216. At this point, the defrost sequence is complete andnormal operation is resumed. With this one preferred defrost sequence,the ramp up and down periods prevent thermal shock from damaging thethermoelectric device 210. Alternatively, however, other defrostoperations can be utilized.

In another alternative embodiment, cooled merchandizing unit 300 isshown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The merchandizing unit 300 is similar in manyrespects to previous embodiments, and is capable of functioning aseither a refrigeration unit or a freezer unit. Thus, the merchandizingunit 300 includes a thermoelectric assembly 302, a transition assembly304, and a product container assembly 306. Though not shown, themerchandizing unit 300 can include additional components previouslydescribed with respect to the merchandizing unit 10 (FIG. 2) such as,for example, a housing (that would otherwise cover at least theelectrical components shown as exposed in FIG. 9), a bottom plate,wheels, air baffle, etc. Regardless, the transition assembly 304maintains the product container assembly 306 relative to thethermoelectric assembly 302. During operation, the thermoelectricassembly 302 operates to provide cooled airflow to product (not shown)maintained within the product container assembly 306.

In one embodiment, the thermoelectric assembly 302 is generallyidentical to the thermoelectric assemblies 14 (FIG. 2), 202 (FIG. 7A)previously described. In general terms, and as best shown in FIG. 10,the thermoelectric assembly 302 includes a control unit (not shown), athermoelectric device 310, a cold sink 312, a hot sink 314, first,second, and third fans 316-320, and a frame 322. The thermoelectricdevice 310 can incorporate a multiple chip configuration (e.g., forfreezer-type applications) or a single chip configuration (e.g., forrefrigeration-type applications). Similarly, the control unit (that canbe connected to one or more temperature sensors (not shown)) can beprogrammed for freezer-type operations or refrigeration-type operations.Operation of the thermoelectric assembly 302 is described in greaterdetail below.

Similarly, in one embodiment, the transition assembly 304 is identicalto the transition assembly 204 previously described with respect toFIGS. 7A and 7B. In general terms, the transition assembly 304 includesa frame 330, a pan 332, and a drain tube 334. As previously described,the pan 332 and the tube 334 are, in one embodiment, adapted tofacilitate operation of the merchandizing unit 300 as a freezer, and inparticular, to facilitate periodic defrosting of the cold sink 312.Alternatively, the transition assembly 304 can assume a variety of otherforms, such as the transition assembly 16 (FIG. 2) previously described.

As should be clear from the above, the thermoelectric assembly 302 andthe transition assembly 304 can assume any of the forms previouslydescribed. In fact, in one preferred embodiment, the merchandizing unit300 (as well as the merchandizing units 10, 150, 200) has a modulardesign whereby the product container assembly 306 (or any of the otherproduct container assemblies previously described) can be easilyinterchanged with a desired configuration of the thermoelectric assembly302 and the transition assembly 304. With this in mind, the productcontainer assembly 306 has a generally “upright” configuration (asopposed to the “coffin” style associated with previous embodiments) andincludes, as best shown in FIG. 10, an exterior frame 340 and aninterior container 342. As described in greater detail below, theinterior container 342 is disposed within the exterior frame 340 andestablishes a platform for maintaining and displaying product (notshown).

The exterior frame 340 includes a base 350 (FIG. 10), a top wall 352,side walls 354 (one of which is shown in FIG. 9), a back wall 356 (FIG.10), and a front wall 358 including a flange 360 (FIG. 10) defining anopening 362 (FIG. 10). The base 350 is adapted for mounting to the frame330 of the transition assembly 304, such as by a tongue-in-groovedesign. In addition, the base 350 forms a passage 366, a first channel367, and a second channel 368. The passage 366 is sized in accordancewith the first fan 316 and is positioned such that upon assembly, thepassage 366 is fluidly aligned with the first fan 316. The first channel367 extends from the passage 366 toward the front wall 358 andestablishes an airflow path to the passage 366 (and thus the first fan316). The second channel 368 is formed adjacent the back wall 356 andestablishes an airflow path to an air plenum, as described in greaterdetail below.

The flange 360 is configured to receive and maintain a door assembly 369(FIG. 9) that otherwise encompasses the opening 362. To facilitate abetter understanding of the various components, the door assembly 369 isomitted from the view of FIG. 10. The door assembly 369 includes a door370 pivotally mounted to a sash 372 that in turn is adapted for assemblyto the flange 360. In one embodiment, the door 370 includes a handle 374and a stop 376. In one embodiment, the flange 360 defines the angularorientation reflected in FIGS. 9 and 10 such that when the door 370 isgrasped at the handle 374 and pulled open (i.e., pivoting relative tothe sash 372 along a hinge disposed opposite the handle 374), the door370 will naturally return to a closed position via gravity whenreleased. The stop 376 prevents overt rotation of the door 370 fromoccurring. Alternatively, the flange 360 can assume a variety of otherconfigurations, and in fact may be entirely upright (i.e., perpendicularrelative to ground). Even further, the exterior frame 340 can be adaptedto receive and maintain a sliding door assembly. Regardless, access toan interior of the exterior frame 340 is provided via the opening 362.

With specific reference to FIG. 10, the interior container 342 includesa floor 380, a rear panel 382, and a front panel 384. In alternativeembodiments, the interior container 342 can include additional sides orpanels. Regardless, the rear panel 382 and the front panel 384 combineto define at least a portion of a major opening 386 (opposite the base380) of an interior region 388 within which product (not shown) iscontained.

The exterior frame 340 and the interior container 342 are configuredsuch that upon assembly and with reference to FIG. 10, the rear panel382 is spaced from the back wall 356 a slight distance to establish anairflow path or plenum 390 along and between the back wall 356 and therear wall 382. The passageway or supply plenum 390 is fluidly connectedto the second channel 368 in the floor 350 of the exterior frame 340.The second channel 368 is, in turn, fluidly connected to an airflowpassageway (or transition plenum) 392 established between the exteriorframe 340 and the frame 330 of the transition assembly 304. Similarly, areturn plenum 394 is established between an exterior of the front panel384 of the interior container 342 and an interior of the front wall 358of the exterior frame 340. The return plenum 394 is fluidly connected tothe first fan 316 via the first channel 367 and the passage 366. In oneembodiment, a grill 396 is assembled to the front panel 384 at anentrance of the return plenum 394 to prevent objects from undesirablyentering the return plenum 394 (e.g., the grill 396 captures objectsthat consumers might otherwise attempt to place (knowingly orunknowingly) in between the exterior frame 340 and the interiorcontainer 342).

During use, the thermoelectric assembly 302 operates to cool product(not shown) maintained within the interior container 342. In thisregard, the interior container 342 may include shelves (not shown) thatprovide enhanced display of contained product. The control unit (notshown) controls operation of the thermoelectric device 310 as well asthe fans 316-320 as previously described. In general terms, the controlunit selectively powers the thermoelectric device 310, causing the coldsink 312 to decrease in temperature while the hot sink 314 increases intemperature. To this end, operation of the second fan 318 deliversambient air across the hot sink 314, thus elevating the rate at whichthe cold sink 312 cools. The first fan 316 operates to direct airflowacross the cold sink 312, with the cooled air then being forced throughthe transition plenum 392 and then the supply plenum 390. As shown byarrows A in FIG. 10, cooled air exits the supply plenum 390 at a top ofthe interior container 342, cascading downwardly (via gravity) onto thecontained product (not shown) contained within the interior region 388.Subsequently, the first fan 316 draws air from the interior region 388(via the return plenum 394, the first channel 367, and the passage 366),and across the cold sink 312, thus establishing a continuous airflowpattern. Finally, condensation collected in a reservoir 398 isevaporated via operation of the third fan 320.

Yet another embodiment portable cooled merchandising unit 400 inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure is shown inexploded form in FIG. 11. The merchandising unit 400 includes a housing402, a product container assembly 404, a door assembly 406, a coolingassembly 408, a power unit 410, one or more powered customer enticementdevices 412 (referenced generally), and optionally one or morenon-powered customer enticement devices 414 (referenced generally).Details on the various components are provided below. In general terms,however, the merchandising unit 400 is akin to the merchandising unit 10(FIG. 2) previously described, with the housing 402 maintaining theassemblies 404-410 as well as one or more of the customer enticementdevice(s) 412, 414. The cooling assembly 408 operates to cool product(not shown) maintained within an internal region 416 defined by theproduct container assembly 404. Powering of the cooling assembly 408 isprovided by the power unit 410. The powered customer enticementdevice(s) 412 are also powered by the power unit 410, and operate toencourage customer interaction with the merchandising unit 400 asdescribed below. Where provided, the non-powered customer enticementdevices 414 further serve to enhance an overall aesthetic appeal of themerchandising unit 400, thereby increasing a likelihood of customerinteraction.

As will be made clear below, the merchandising unit 400 can assume avariety of forms that may or may not include certain structural featuresrelated to operation thereof in cooling contained product (not shown).In addition, however, the merchandising unit 400 represents a markedimprovement over conventional portable cooled merchandising units, dueto implementation of the customer enticement device(s) 412, 414. Thepowered customer enticement device(s) 412 are low cost components andinclude, for example, interactive display(s), internal and/or externallighting, scent generation, sounds, etc. The optional non-poweredcustomer enticement device(s) 414 are also low cost components, and caninclude various display features. The merchandising unit 400 can includeone or more of the enticement device(s) 412 and 414, and in someembodiments all of the devices 412, 414 described below. With this inmind, various, optional structural features of the merchandising unit400 are first described, followed by a more detailed explanation of thepowered customer enticement devices 412.

The housing 402 includes, in some embodiments, a frame 420 (referencedgenerally), side panel assemblies 422 (one of which is shown in FIG.11), and a bottom plate 424. The frame 420 is attached to the bottomplate 424, with a portion of at least one of the side panel assemblies422 being slidably mounted to the frame 420.

The frame 420 includes vertical rails 426 and supports 428. The supports428 serve to mount the rails 426 to the bottom plate 424, although otherforms of attachment are also acceptable such that the supports 428 canassume a variety of configurations or can be eliminated. Regardless,four of the rails 426 are provided (it being understood that one of therails 426 is hidden in the view of FIG. 11), and are identically formedas extruded parts in some embodiments. Alternatively, a greater orlesser number of the rails 426 are also acceptable. With additionalreference to FIG. 12A that otherwise illustrates two of the rails 426 a,426 b along with a corresponding one of the side panel assemblies 422 a,the rails 426 a, 426 b each have a first leg 430 and a second leg 432extending at an approximately right angle relative to one another. Thefirst leg 430 includes an inner segment 434 and an outer segment 436that combine to define a longitudinal slot 438. The second leg 432similarly includes segments 440, 442 combining to define a longitudinalslot 444. Upon final assembly of the housing 402, the slots 438 or 444of a corresponding pair of the rails 426 a, 426 b combined to define amounting zone for slidably receiving a portion of the side panelassembly 422 a as described below. Remaining ones of the rails 426 (FIG.11) are similarly constructed.

Returning to FIG. 11, the side panel assemblies 422 can be identical ordifferent in construction, and are sized to interface with the rails 426as described below. Although only one of the side panel assemblies 422is illustrated in FIG. 11 (relative to mounting to the first and secondrails 426 a, 426 b), it will be understood that in some embodimentsthree additional, identical side panel assemblies 422 are furtherincluded for mounting to one of the remaining pairs of rails 426,respectively (e.g., an additional side panel assembly 422 is providedfor assembly to the second and third rails 426 b, 426 c, etc.).Regardless, each of the side panel assemblies 422 can include an innerpanel 446 and an outer panel 448. The inner panel 446 is sized for morepermanent mounting to a corresponding pair of the rails 426, whereas theouter panel 448 is sized to be removably connected to the correspondingpair of the rails 426. For example, and with reference to FIG. 12A, theinner panel 446 a is sized to be mounted to or against the innersegments 434 of the first legs 430 of the first and second rails 426 a,426 b (e.g., bonded to the rails 426 a, 426 b). Conversely, the outerpanel 448 a is sized to be slidably received within the slots 438 of thefirst and second rails 426 a, 426 b. This relationship is reflected inFIG. 12B.

With the above construction and returning to FIG. 11 the inner panel 446is “hidden” behind the outer panel 448 upon final assembly. Thus, theinner panel 446 can be formed of a wide variety of materials (e.g.,paperboard, plastic corrugated paper, metal, etc.), and need not includeany stylized or fanciful graphics or display features.

Conversely, the outer panel 448 serves to define an exterior, visiblesurface of the merchandising unit 400, and thus can includeindicia/graphics on an exterior thereof serving as one of thenon-powered customer enticement devices 414 (e.g., a lenticular displaypanel). In other embodiments, one or more of the outer panels 448 servesas one of the powered customer enticement devices 410 as describedbelow. The outer panel 448 can be formed from a variety of materialssuch as, for example, paper board, plastic, corrugated paper, metal,etc.

When one of the outer panels 448 is damaged and/or when a merchandiserdesires to alter a visual effect of the unit 400, the outer panel(s) 448in question can simply be removed from the frame 420 and replaced with anew outer panel(s) 448. For example, FIG. 13A illustrates the housing402 upon final assembly, including the inner and outer panels 446 a, 448a of the first side panel assembly 422 a mounted to the first and secondrails 426 a, 426 b (it being understood the majority of the inner panel446 a is behind the outer panel 448 a and thus not visible in the viewof FIG. 13A). Where, for example, the outer panel 448 a is damaged butthe remaining outer panels 448 (hidden in FIG. 13A) do not requirereplacement, the outer panel 448 a of the first side panel assembly 422a can be removed from the frame 420 by sliding the outer panel 448 aupwardly along the corresponding rails 426 a, 426 b as shown in FIG. 13Buntil the outer panel 448 a is no longer captured by the frame 420. Anew outer panel (not shown) can then be slidably inserted between therails 426 a, 462 b. The housing 402 interior remains “covered” by theinner panel 446 a even with the outer panel 448 a removed.

To facilitate individual removal and/or insertion of the outer panel448, in some embodiments, the outer panel 448 has a height slightly lessthan that of the corresponding inner panel 446 (as shown best by thepanels 446 a, 448 a in FIG. 13A), and the corresponding pair of rails426 (e.g., the rails 426 a, 426 b of FIG. 13A) each form a notch 450 ata top end thereof. With this construction, a user can insert his/herfingers between the door assembly 406 and the panels 446, 448 to graspthe outer panel 448; further the notches 450 allow a slight deflectionof the outer panel 448 in response to a user-applied force, such thatthe outer panel 448 can “clear” the door assembly 406 during slidingremoval or insertion.

In light of the above and with reference to FIG. 14, all of the outerpanels 448 (two of which are shown at 448 a and 448 b in FIG. 14) do notneed to be replaced in instances where exchange of only one of the outerpanel 448 is required. This same approach can be employed when desiringto change the visual effect of only one of the outer panels 448 (e.g.,the outer panel 448 a of the first side panel assembly 422 a has aseasonal-specific visual effect (such as, for example, a Halloweentheme) while the remaining outer panels 448 b have a generic visualeffect; the first side panel assembly's outer panel 448 a can beexchanged for a new outer panel (not shown) having a differentseasonal-specific visual effect (such as, for example, a Thanksgivingtheme) while the other outer panels 448 b remain mounted to the frame420). Alternatively, however, the housing 402 can have a wide variety ofother constructions, for example akin to the housing 12 (FIG. 2)described above.

Returning to FIG. 11, in addition to maintaining the frame 420/sidepanel assemblies 422, the bottom plate 424 defines a first opening 452and a second opening 454, the openings 452, 454 providing air access andegress for the unit 400. Specifically, in one embodiment the firstopening 452 is an air inlet and the second opening 454 is an air outlet.The openings 452, 454 are depicted as rectangular holes, although othershapes and sizes for the openings 452, 454 are equally acceptable.

Wheels or casters 456 are connected to the housing bottom plate 424 tofacilitate moving of the merchandizing unit 400, for example whenpositioning the merchandizing unit 400 for display in a grocery store.Any number of the wheels 456 can be provided, and the wheels 456 aretucked under the bottom plate 424 such that the wheels 456 are safelypositioned away from foot traffic and permit multiple merchandizingunits 400 to be aligned side-by-side. Alternatively, components otherthan wheels/casters can be employed to raise the bottom plate 424relative to a floor.

An air chute 458 is secured to the bottom plate 424, as shown in FIGS.11 and 14. The air chute 458 is assembled over the outlet opening 454and includes a collapsible wall 460 combining with the bottom plate 424to define an exit port 462. Upon final assembly, the bottom plate424/wall 460 position the exit port 462 to direct airflow from theoutlet opening 454 in a direction generally away from the inlet opening452. Thus, the air chute 458 is akin to the baffle 30 (FIG. 2)previously described, extending below the bottom plate 424 (relative toan upright orientation of the merchandizing unit 400) a distanceapproximating a height of the wheels 456 (or any other component thatraises the bottom plate 424 relative to a floor on which themerchandizing unit 400 is located), and serving to isolate airflowbetween the inlet and outlet openings 452, 454, and thus incoming andoutgoing airflow relative to the merchandizing unit 400. However,because the air chute 458 is more directly associated with the outletopening 454, enhanced airflow isolation is provided, and a less-rigidconstruction is required as compared to the baffle 30.

For example, the air chute 458 can be formed of an inexpensive, flexibleor collapsible material such as nylon, cloth, nonwovens, etc. Thecollapsible nature of the air chute 458 improves an overall portabilityof the merchandizing unit 400 as upon final assembly, the air chute 458will not overtly impeded or resist movement of the merchandizing unit400 as the unit 400 is moved (e.g., rolled) along the floor; rather, theair chute 458 will simply collapse (naturally or when held in a liftedposition by a separate component (not shown)) and return to an originalshape (and thus maximum size of the exit port 462) once the unit 400 isat a desired location. For example, operation of the cooling assembly408 can include a fan (e.g., the fan 49 of FIG. 2) forcing air throughthe outlet opening 454; with this construction, the air chute 458 willreadily unfold or “open” as airflow is forced therethrough. In otherembodiments, the air chute 458 can assume other forms and/or beeliminated.

With reference to FIG. 15A, the product container assembly 404 issimilar to the product container assemblies 18 (FIG. 2), 206 (FIG. 7A)previously described, and includes an exterior frame 464 and an interiorcontainer 466. The interior container 466 defines the internal region416 referenced above within which product (not shown) is contained. Uponfinal assembly, the exterior frame 464 and the interior container 466combine to form a first air plenum or passageway 468 and a second airplenum or passageway 470 as referenced generally in FIG. 15A. Theplenums 468, 470 are akin to the first and second plenums 84, 86,respectively, described above with respect to the product containerassembly 18 of FIGS. 2 and 3, such that a detailed explanation is notnecessary. In general terms, however, the first plenum 468 isestablished between corresponding internal and external faces of theexterior frame 464 and interior container 466, and provides a passagewayfor airflow from the cooling assembly 408 (FIG. 11) to enter theinternal region 416, for example via one or more apertures 472.Similarly, the second plenum 470 is established between correspondinginternal and external faces of the exterior frame 464 and the interiorcontainer 466 (in some embodiments, the second plenum 470 is oppositethe first plenum 468), and provides a passageway for airflow from theinternal region 416 to the cooling assembly 408, for example via one ormore windows 474. Other configurations capable of promoting cooling ofproduct contained in the internal region 416 by the cooling assembly 408are also acceptable. Regardless, the product container assembly 404establishes a major opening 476 to the internal region 416 through whichaccess to contained product is readily gained via the door assembly 406.Although the major opening 476 is shown in FIG. 15A as being at a “top”of the product container assembly 404 (with the door assembly 406 beingassembled “above” the major opening 476), in other embodiments, themerchandising unit 400 (FIG. 11) can be constructed to provide a sideaccess-type relationship.

The door assembly 406 is akin to the door assembly 32 (FIG. 2)previously described, and can include a frame or sash 480 and a door482. As with previous embodiments, the sash 480 is configured forassembly over the product container assembly 404, with the door 482being pivotably mounted to the sash 480. As a point of reference, FIG.15A illustrates additional components, including a back panel module 484(referenced generally), that in some embodiments are associated with thedoor assembly 406 (e.g., can be attached to or provided with the sash480), and are described in greater detail below in relation to thepowered customer enticement devices 412 (FIG. 11).

The door 482 can assume various forms that, in some embodiments, furtherincludes one of the optional, non-powered customer enticement devices414, as shown in FIG. 15B. More particularly, the door 482 of FIG. 15Bincludes upper and lower framework sections 485 a, 485 b, first andsecond window panes 486 a, 486 b, and a graphics layer 488. The windowpanes 486 a, 486 b are generally transparent (e.g., plastic or glass)and are mounted between the framework sections 485 a, 485 b. To thisend, the door 482 can further include one or more gaskets 490 thateffectuate an airtight seal between the window panes 486 a, 486 b andthe framework 485 a, 485 b. Regardless, the graphics layer 488 issandwiched between the panes 486 a, 486 b, and is adapted to create anenhanced visual effect upon a customer viewing the door 482. Forexample, the graphics layer 488 can include or display an opaque graphicimage, a hologram, a thermoformed relief, etc., with the so-createdvisual effect being related, in some embodiments, to the products (notshown) contained within the internal region 416 (FIG. 11). The visualeffect can be a fanciful representation of product packaging;trademark(s) or trade name(s) of the actual product and/or productmanufacturer; a person or character commonly used in promoting thecontained product; etc. With any formatted visual effect, the door 482creates a unique visual appearance to a customer peering through thedoor 482, differing from a “normal” glass-type door by which thecustomer only sees the contained product. This unique visual effect, inturn, may subconsciously create a sense of excitement or interest in thecustomer, thus prompting actual opening of the door 482 and purchasingof the contained product. Alternatively, however, a more conventionaldoor 482 can be employed (that does not include the graphics layer 488).

As shown in FIG. 16, the cooling assembly 408 is, in some embodiments, athermoelectric-based system akin to the thermoelectric assembly 14 (FIG.2) previously described. With this in mind, the cooling assembly 408includes a thermoelectric module 500; first, second and third fans502-506; and a cooling controller or control circuitry 508. Thethermoelectric module 500 generally includes a thermoelectric device 510(akin to the thermoelectric device 54 (FIG. 2) described above), firstheat sink 512 (serving as a “cold” sink), and a second heat sink 514(serving as a “hot” sink). The thermoelectric device 510 is electricallyconnected to the controller 508 that in turn is electrically connectedto the power unit 410. The fans 502-506 are similarly electricallyconnected to the cooling controller 508 (and thus the power unit 410) orcan be directly connected to/powered by the power unit 410. The coolingcontroller 508 can be a circuit board as shown, or any other type oflogic-base controller that dictates delivery of power from the powerunit 410 to the thermoelectric module 500 as previously described. Thethermoelectric device 510 operates, via the controller 508/power unit410, to cool the cold sink 512. The first fan 502 directs airflow overthe cold sink 512; the second fan 504 directs airflow over the hot sink514; and the third fan 506 creates a positive airflow to direct airflowover collected condensate and exhausts air from the unit 400. Inaddition, the cooling assembly 408 can include a transition assembly 516and a base 518. The transition assembly 516 is akin to the transitionassembly 16 (FIG. 2) previously described, and serves to directcondensate in a desired fashion. The base 518 houses various othercomponents of the cooling assembly 408.

Given the above description, the cooling assembly 408 can be operated inany of the manners described above with respect to the thermoelectricassembly 14 (FIG. 2) or 202 (FIG. 7A). Thus, the cooling controller 508serves to dictate the manner in which the cooling assembly 408 operates(and in particular powering of the thermoelectric device 510 as well asthe fans 502-506). With this in mind and as shown in FIG. 11, the powerunit 410 includes a power cord 520, a power supply 522, an electricalbox 524, and an optional fan 526. As with previous embodiments, thepower cord 520 is adapted for electrical connection to an external powersource/electrical outlet, for example a conventional 110 volt AC powersource, and delivers the external power to the power supply 522. Thepower supply 522 is enclosed within the electrical box 524 (as is thefan 526), and is configured to convert AC power to DC power for poweringof the thermoelectric device 510 (as well as other component(s) asdescribed below). Finally, the cooling controller 508 is, in someembodiments, mounted to the electrical box 524, and is electricallycoupled to the power supply 522. To promote cooling of the power supply522 upon final assembly, in some embodiments the base 518 can include aninlet conduit 528 that supports the thermoelectric device 510 in fluidcommunication with the inlet opening 452 as shown in FIG. 16 (it beingunderstood that the inlet opening 452 is illustrated in FIG. 11). Theelectrical box 524 is mounted against a side 530 of the conduit 528,with the side 530 forming a slot 532 through which incoming air can coolthe box 524.

Although the cooling assembly 408 has been described as being athermoelectric-based device, other configurations are also contemplatedin accordance with embodiments of FIG. 11, such as a conventional,compressor-based approach. With the thermoelectric module 500, however,the power unit 410 (and in particular the power supply 522) can be usedto power not only the thermoelectric device 510, but also the poweredcustomer enticement device(s) 412 as described below. That is to say, insome embodiments, the powered customer enticement device(s) 412 are eachconfigured to operate on a 110 volt input, such that only the singlepower cord 520 (otherwise electrically connected to a single electricaloutlet) is required for operation of the merchandising unit 400. By wayof comparison, conventional portable cooling units employing acompressor-type cooling system require a 220 volt input whereas thepowered component(s) of the powered customer enticement device(s) 412described below operate on a 110 volt input; under these circumstances,two separate power supplies (one for the cooling system and another forthe powered customer enticement device(s) 412) would be required. This,in turn, may restrict an overall usefulness of the merchandising unitand/or the store locations at which the unit can be located. Themerchandising unit 400 of the present disclosure overcomes these, andother, problems by operating two or more of the powered components froma single power supply.

With the above in mind, the powered customer enticement device(s) 412can assume a wide variety of forms, and multiple different ones can beprovided. Several such devices envisioned by the present disclosure aredescribed in detail below. In general terms, however, each of thepowered customer enticement devices 412 includes a powered componentthat is powered, directed or indirectly, by the power supply 522. Thatis to say, the powered component can be directly electrically coupled tothe power supply 522, can be electrically connected to acontroller/control board associated with the particular enticementdevice 412 in question (that in turn is electrically coupled to thepower supply 522), or can be electrically connected to a commoncontroller/control board (along with the powered component(s) of one ormore other enticement devices) that controls delivery of power from thepower supply 522 to the powered component in question. For example, FIG.15A illustrates a device controller or circuitry 534 (e.g., a circuitboard) provided with or as part of the back panel module 484. The devicecontroller 534 is electrically connected to the power supply 522 (FIG.11) by wiring (not shown), and includes circuitry or logic appropriatefor effectuating desired control/powering of one or more enticementdevices 412 (referenced generally in FIG. 15A) electrically coupledthereto. Alternatively, the device controller 534 can be positioned atother locations apart from the back panel module 484.

A first optional embodiment of a powered customer enticement device 412powered by the power supply 522 is a header assembly 550, representedschematically in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 14, the header assembly 550includes a support frame 552 and a display panel 554. The support frame552 is configured for mounting to, or integrally formed with, the backpanel module 484. Alternatively, the support frame 550 can be mountedto, or formed with, the housing 402 or the door assembly 406. Thedisplay panel 554 is maintained by the support frame 552, and can assumea variety of forms adapted to generate a visual image that, in someembodiments, relates to products (not shown) contained in the internalregion 416 (FIG. 11). For example, the display panel 554 can define orinclude a moving lenticular display (e.g., a series of individualgraphic layers with related images that combine to create a “moving”effect when the layers are viewed in succession and/or from differentvantage points), with the header assembly 550 further including a motionmechanism (not shown) causing the individual graphic layers to moverelative to one another or collectively. The motion mechanism iselectrically connected to the power supply 522 (FIG. 11), eitherdirectly or indirectly (e.g., via the device control board 534 (FIG.15A), and thus is the (or one of the) powered component of the headerassembly 550. With embodiments in which the header assembly 550 isremovably mounted to the door assembly 406 and/or the back panel module484, the header assembly 550 can further include an electrical connector(e.g., a ribbon connector) adapted to establish an electrical connectionwith a corresponding electrical receptacle provided with the doorassembly 406/back panel module 484 upon insertion therein.

Alternatively or in addition, the header assembly 550 can include alight source (not shown). The light source can be or include anelectroluminescent light, LED, or other similar light-emitting devicehaving low power requirements. In this regard, then, the light sourceserves as the (or one of the) powered component of the header assembly550/customer enticement device 412, and can be electrically connected tothe power supply 522 (FIG. 11) either directly or indirectly asdescribed above.

Regardless of the exact technique for providing power to the headerassembly 550, in some embodiments, the header assembly 550 is removablyattached, as a whole, to the door assembly 406 (or other componentprovided with the housing 402 or the back panel module 484). In thismanner, the header assembly 550 can quickly be exchanged with a “new”header assembly 550 (having a differing visual effect) as desired.Further, in some embodiments, the display panel 554 is removably mountedto the support frame 552 (e.g., a sliding interface). With thisconfiguration, a user/merchandiser can easily change a visual effectassociated with header assembly 550 by simply exchanging the displaypanel 554 (e.g., a display panel 554 having image(s) relating to a firsttheme (e.g., Valentines Day) can be readily exchanged for a differentdisplay panel 554 having image(s) relating to a second theme (e.g.,Easter)), without requiring retrofitting the merchandizing unit 400 as awhole. Alternatively, the header assembly 550 can have a more permanentconfiguration and/or can include or be a non-powered customer enticementdevice, such as a static lenticular display. Even further, the headerassembly 550 can be eliminated.

Additional, optional powered customer enticement devices 412 inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure can be describedwith respect to the back panel module 484 described above and shown inFIG. 15A. With additional reference to FIG. 14, the back panel module484 generally includes a housing 570, a first display system 572(referenced generally), a second display system 574 (referencedgenerally), a lighting system 576, a scent system 578, and portions of asound system 580. The housing 570 maintains the components 572-580, andis generally adapted for assembly to the sash 480 (or other component ofthe housing 402 as desired). Further, the device control board 534 is,in some embodiments, mounted within the housing 570. For example, thehousing 570 can include a cover 582 and shoulders 584. The shoulders 584extend from the sash 480 and are configured to retain the device controlboard 534 (e.g., a frictional fit). The cover 582 is sized for placementover the shoulders 584, and forms an opening sized to receive atransparent plate 586 through which images or lights generated by one ormore of the display systems 572, 574 and/or the lighting 576 can beviewed.

The display systems 572, 574 can assume a variety of forms, but are, insome embodiments, adapted to generate differing visual effects. In otherembodiments, only one of the display systems 572 or 574 is provided.

The first display system 572 includes or defines a display screen 588(referenced generally in FIG. 15A) along with corresponding circuitry(not shown) that enables the display screen 588 to function as aninteractive panel, as is known to those of skill. For example, the firstdisplay system 572 can generate images on the display screen 588 inresponse to user-prompts (akin to a touch screen), allowing a customerto access information relating to the contained product (e.g., recipes,promotions, etc.). In this regard, the display screen 588 can be aprinted LED screen (e.g., a series of LEDs printed on or carried by thedevice control board 534), and thus has lower power requirements. Aseparate controller (not shown) is further provided for dictating theinformation displayed on the display screen, and in some embodiments isconfigured or programmed such that a user (e.g., merchandiser) canreadily change or update the images/information displayed on the displayscreen 588 (e.g., via wireless technology as is known to those ofskill). The first display system 572 can be configured to display asingle image on the display screen 588, scrolling-type displays, etc.Regardless, the first display system 572 includes a connector(s) (notshown) establishing an electrical connection between the poweredcomponent(s) thereof and the device control board 534 (and thus thepower supply 522 (FIG. 11)). Further, the separate controller can beeliminated, with circuitry provided with the device control board 534directly dictating displayed content on the display screen 588. In otherembodiments, the first display system 572 is omitted. As shown in FIG.14, the first display system 572, and in particular the display screen588, can be located “behind” the transparent plate 586 upon finalassembly, and thus viewable therethrough. Alternatively, the displayscreen 588 can be mounted to an exterior of the housing 402, the doorassembly 406, etc.

Returning to FIG. 15A, the second display system 574 includes a displaypanel 590 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 14) along withcorresponding circuitry or other components (not shown) that enables thepanel 590 to display images and/or information, for example relating toproduct contained by the merchandising unit 400. In this regard, thedisplay panel 590 (and related circuitry including a memory) can be orinclude LCD or organic LED (“OLED”) technology that generates avideo-like display of images on the panel 590, such as televisioncommercials or other moving or changing images, along with a controller(not shown) dictating displays on the panel 590. The display panel 590can be located “behind” the transparent plate 586, or can be separatelyassembled to an exterior of the module cover 582 (as shown in FIG. 14).To this end, the second display system 574 includes a connector (notshown) establishing an electrical connection between the poweredcomponent(s) thereof (e.g., the display panel 590, the separatecontroller, etc.) and the device control board 534 (and thus the powersupply 522 (FIG. 11)). Further, the separate controller can beeliminated, with circuitry provided with the device control board 534directly dictating content displayed on the display panel 590. In otherembodiments, the second display system 574 is omitted.

The lighting system 576 includes a plurality of light sources 592(schematically illustrated in FIG. 15A) that in some embodiments areeach an LED. The light sources 592 can be configured to emit light ofidentical color, or various ones of the light sources 592 can emitdifferently colored light (e.g., an LED emitting differently-coloredlight in response to variations in power). Regardless, the light sources592 are electrically coupled to the device control board 534, and thusare powered by power supply 522 (FIG. 11). For example, where the lightsources 592 are LEDs, the LEDs can be directly attached to or carried bythe device control board 534. Activation/deactivation of the lightsources 592 is controlled by the device control board 534. With this inmind, the light sources 592 can be operated to exhibit a “flashing”effect and/or can be grouped into sections relative to the housing 570.For example, the light sources 592 can be functionally grouped into afirst section 594 and a second section 596, with operation of thelighting system 576 including sequentially activating and deactivatingthe light sources 592 of the sections 594, 596. A wide variety of otheractivation techniques/programs are also acceptable. Upon final assembly,the light sources 592 are positioned behind, and thus emit lightthrough, the transparent plate 586 as shown in FIG. 14. Alternatively,the light sources 592 can be located on an exterior of the housing 402,the door assembly 406, etc. In other embodiments, however, the lightingsystem 576 can be eliminated.

The scent system 578 includes a scent source 600 and a fan 602 as shownin FIG. 15A. The scent source 600 and the fan 602 are located within thehousing 570, with the fan 602 positioned to direct or draw airflowacross the scent source 600 and outwardly from the housing 570. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 17, a rear face 604 of the cover 582 caninclude or form inlet and outlet hole patterns 606, 608 (referencedgenerally), for example by the inclusion of wire mesh screens, throughwhich the fan 602 (referenced generally in FIG. 17) can draw and exhaustair.

Returning to FIG. 15A, the scent source 600 can assume a variety offorms, but in some embodiments is a static paraffin-based material thatgenerates a desired scent or aroma when volatized in the presence offorced airflow via the fan 602. The static paraffin can be maintained inan air permeable container, and is selected to generate one of a numberof different scents or aromas envisioned by the present disclosure. Insome embodiments, the scent source 600 creates an aroma that correlateswith product (not shown) contained in the merchandizing unit 400 (FIG.11). Thus, for example, where the contained product is a dough- orbatter-type product, the scent source 600 can be selected to create abakery-type aroma. Other non-bakery aromas are also envisioned, such aspizza, fruit, etc.

The fan 602 is electrically coupled to the device control board 534 (andthus the power supply 522 (FIG. 11)) such that the device control board534 dictates operation of the scent system 578. Alternatively, the scentsystem 578 can be assembled to the merchandising unit at one or morelocations apart from the back panel module 484 (e.g., the fan 602 can bearranged to exhaust scented air through a bottom of the merchandisingunit 400). In yet other embodiments, the scent system 578 can beeliminated.

Yet another optional embodiment of the powered customer enticementdevice 412 associated, at least in part, with the back panel module 484is the sound system 580. The sound system 580 includes a speaker 620 anddigital control circuitry (not shown), for example provided as part ofthe device control board 534. The speaker 620 is mounted within thecover 582, positioned or facing the inlet hole pattern 606 (FIG. 17).

In some embodiments, the sound system 580 is adapted to generate audiblesounds via the speaker 620 in a predetermined fashion. For example, thesound system 580 can operate to continuously generate a particular soundor series of sounds (e.g., a short song or other musical presentation),or can generate the sound(s) at predetermined time intervals. In otherembodiments, however, the sound system 580 is adapted to generatesound(s) in response to a customer prompt. For example, and withadditional reference to FIG. 17 (in which the optional header assembly550 (FIG. 14) is omitted), the sound system 580 can further include asensor/membrane 622 that is associated with one of the side panelassemblies 422 (such as the side panel assembly 422 c of FIG. 17). Thesensor 622 can be a touch sensor or pressure sensor, and is electricallycoupled to the device control board 534 (or other controlboard/circuitry associated with the sound system 580), with thedesignated circuitry or logic associated with the sound system 580 beingprogrammed to prompt operation of the speaker 620 in response to asignal received from the sensor 622. To encourage customer interactionwith the sensor 622, the corresponding side panel assembly 422 c caninclude indicia 624 on an exterior thereof, with the indicia 624indicating to a customer that contact with the sensor 622 will result inan interactive effect (e.g., the indicia 624 can include words, symbols,pictures, etc.). Regardless, the sound system 580 can be configured suchthat the sound or noise produced by the speaker 620 correlates withproduct contained in the merchandising unit 400. For example, thegenerated sound can be a sound commonly associated with the manufacturerof the contained product (such as the “giggle” commonly associated withthe Pillsbury Doughboy™) or other audio cues. Even further, the soundsystem 580 can include a second sensor 626 associated with a second oneof the side panels 422 (such as the side panel 422 a of FIG. 14). Withthis construction, the control circuitry associated with the soundsystem 580 (e.g., the device control board 534) can be programmed suchthat a different noise or sound is produced by the speaker 620 dependingupon which of the sensors 622 or 626 is contacted by the customer. Inother embodiments, two or more of the speakers 620 can be provided, andneed not necessarily be located within the back panel module housing570. In yet other embodiments, the sound system 580 can be omitted.

As indicated above, various power components associated with the systems572-580 can be commonly connected to, and controlled by, the devicecontrol board 534. As a point of reference, FIG. 18 illustratesschematically a relationship of the power supply 522 relative to thecooling control board 508 and the device control board 534. As shown,the power supply 522 transforms an inputted AC voltage into appropriateenergy format (e.g., DC voltage) useful by the thermoelectric device 510(via the cooling control board 508) and the powered component(s)associated with each of the systems 572-580 (via the device controlboard 534). Notably, more or less of the systems 572-580 can be providedor otherwise directly linked to the device control board 534. Further,the device control board 534 can be programmed to correlate operation oftwo or more of the powered customer enticement devices 412 (e.g., thelighting system 576 can perform a pre-determined lighting sequence inconjunction with operation of the sound system 580). In more generalterms, FIG. 18 reflects that the thermoelectric device 510 and at leastone of the powered customer enticement devices 412 are powered by asingle, common power supply 522.

In addition to one or more of the systems 572-580 described above, thepowered customer enticement device(s) 412 can assume other forms thatare not directly otherwise associated with the back panel module 484.With this in mind, yet another optional embodiment of the poweredcustomer enticement device 412 in accordance with principles of thepresent disclosure includes interior lighting 630 within the internalregion 416 as shown in FIG. 15A. The interior lighting 630 includes aplurality of light sources 632 positioned to illuminate the internalregion 416. The light sources 632 are individually or collectivelyelectrically connected to the power supply 522 (FIG. 11). For example,the light sources 632 can be LEDs carried by a circuit board 634 (asshown in FIG. 15A) that in turn is electrically connected to the powersupply 522 (either directly or via the device control board 534). Withthe one embodiment of FIG. 15A in which the circuit board 634 isemployed, the door assembly 406, and in particular the sash 480, can beconfigured to maintain the circuit board 634 (e.g., through a slot 636)such that the light sources 632 are within the interior region 406.

In some embodiments, the light sources 632 are adapted, eitherindividually or collectively, to emit differently-colored light. Forexample, the light sources 632 can be LEDs, with the circuit board 634adapted to vary the power delivered to each of the LEDs, thus changing acolor of emitted light. In some embodiments, the circuit board 634operates to cause the LEDs 632 to alternately emit red, green, and bluelight. Other color(s) or color schemes are also acceptable (e.g., thelight sources 632 can create a “flashing” display) and a single,non-white light color may instead be employed. In any event, theinterior lighting 630 is preferably configured to illuminate theinternal region 416 regardless of whether the door 482 is “open”; thisfeature in combination with the see-through nature of the door 482 (asdescribed above) results in the colored, interior lighting 630 readilybeing noticed by a customer when approaching the merchandising unit 400,and is thus likely to spark a customer's interest. In other embodiments,however, the interior lighting 630 can be eliminated.

Returning to FIG. 11, yet another optional embodiment of the poweredcustomer enticement device 412 in accordance with principles of thepresent disclosure includes bottom lighting 640. The bottom lighting 640is associated with a bottom region of the housing 402, projecting lightbelow (relative to the orientation of FIG. 11) the bottom plate 424. Thebottom lighting 640 is positioned to emit light from a front of thehousing 402 (as shown, for example, by representations of the emittedlight in FIG. 14), serving to further enhance a visual appearance of themerchandising unit 400. With this in mind, the bottom lighting 640 canassume a variety of forms, and in some embodiments includes a pluralityof light sources 642 each provided as an LED and connected to or carriedby a circuit board 644. The circuit board 644, in turn, is electricallycoupled to the power supply 522, either directly or indirectly (e.g.,via the device control board 534 (FIG. 15A)), to provide power to thelight sources 642. The light sources 642 can be adapted to emit whitelight, or one or more can be driven or filtered to emit colored light(static or variable). In this regard, the bottom lighting 640 can beoperated such that the light sources 642 are activated/deactivatedsimultaneously, or can be programmed (via the circuit board 644) tocreate a sequential lighting effect. In other embodiments, the bottomlighting 640 can be eliminated.

Yet other optional embodiments of the powered customer enticement device412 include one or more side display arrangements 650 as shown in FIG.19 (in which the optional header assembly 550 (FIG. 14) is omitted). Theside display arrangement 650 includes a side display panel 652. Ingeneral terms, the side display panel 652 provides a visual effect, andeither integrally includes a light source or a separate light source(not shown) is provided for illuminating the side display panel 652 forviewing by a customer.

The side display panel 652 can be provided with the housing 402, servingas the outer panel 448 c (FIG. 13A) of one of the side panel assemblies422 (FIG. 11) previously described. In the context of the customerenticement device 412, however, the side display panel 652 has anenhanced visual effect relating, in some embodiments, to containedproduct contained in the merchandizing unit 400. Thus, for example, theside display panel 652 can include colorful lights; can include ordisplay written information, trademarks, trade names, slogans, etc.;and/or can include pictures or similar images (e.g., characters, aperson, etc.). To this end, in some embodiments, the side display panel652 is a lenticular display panel (static or moving) as is known tothose of skill. Further, with specific embodiments in which the housing402 incorporates the frame 420 described above, the side display panel652 is sized to be slidably received between a corresponding pair of therails 426. That is to say, following final assembly, the side displaypanel 652 can readily be removed from the unit 400 in a manner similarto that described above with respect to the outer panel 448 (FIG. 12C).Alternatively, the side display panel 652 can be more permanentlymounted relative to the housing 402.

As indicated above, the side display panel 652 can include an embeddedlight source. For example, the side display panel 652 can include or bean electroluminescent light that is powered by the power supply 522(FIG. 11), either directly or indirectly via a control board (notshown). Alternatively, a separate light source (not shown) can beassembled to the housing 402 so as to be positioned “behind” thecorresponding side display panel 652 upon final assembly. For example,the separate light source can be one or more LEDs assembled to the innerpanel 446 (FIG. 11) of the corresponding side panel assembly 422 (FIG.11). The separate light source is further connected to the power supply522 by an electrical connector (not shown).

A single one of the side display arrangements 650 can be provided (e.g.,as part of the “front” side panel assembly 422 a), or two or more can beincluded. In this regard, the side display panel 652 associated witheach individual arrangement 650 can vary in visual appearance fromothers of the side display panels 652. In fact, a first side displayarrangement 650 can be included employing an electroluminescent sidepanel display panel 652, along with a second side display arrangementincorporating a lenticular side display panel 652. In yet otherembodiments, the side display arrangement 650 is omitted.

The merchandizing units of the present invention provide a markedimprovement over previous designs. The powered customer enticementdevices described above each represent a unique approach to piquing acustomer's interest in the merchandizing unit by stimulating at leastone of the customer's senses (sight, sound, smell, or touch), anoverriding goal of most merchandisers, in a manner not previouslyaccomplished in the context of a portable, cooling device. Further, byutilizing a single power source to power not only the cooling assemblybut also the powered customer enhancement device(s), a significantsavings in manufacturing costs are realized, and a user can position theunit at virtually any desired location at the user's place of business.In fact, where the cooling assembly and powering thereof isappropriately designed to meet desired safety standards (e.g., ULcertified), addition of the powered customer enticement device(s) willnot affect this certification as the same power supply is used.

Although specific embodiments of a portable cooled merchandizing unithave been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalentimplementations can be substituted for the specific embodimentsdescribed without departing from the scope of the present invention.This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations ofportable cooled merchandizing units having a product container assemblyand at least one powered customer enticement device. Therefore, it isintended that this invention be limited only by the claims and theequivalents thereof.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges can be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. For example, the merchandizing unithas been described as incorporating at least one of a number ofdifferent powered customer enticement devices. In some embodiments, allof the powered customer enticement devices described above are provided;in other embodiments, less than all (including just one) are included.Further, additional powered customer enticement devices can be provided,such as electroluminescent strips or similar lighting accents mounted toan exterior of the housing, and again powered by the common power supply(either directly or indirectly).

1. A portable cooled merchandising unit comprising: a product containerassembly defining an interior region for containing products; a doorassembly connected to the product container assembly and including amovable door to permit selective access to the internal region; acooling assembly connected to the product container assembly, thecooling assembly including a powered cooling device and configured tocool the interior region; a first powered customer enticement devicemaintained relative to the product container assembly and adapted toencourage customer interest in the merchandising unit, the poweredcustomer enticement device including a powered component; and a powerunit maintained relative to the product container assembly and includinga power supply electrically connectable to an external power source,wherein each of the powered cooling device and the powered component ofthe customer enticement device are electrically coupled to the powersupply.
 2. The portable cooled merchandising unit of claim 1, whereinthe powered customer enticement device includes a header assembly havinga display panel.
 3. The portable cooled merchandising unit of claim 2,wherein the display panel is a lenticular panel.
 4. The portable cooledmerchandising unit of claim 1, wherein the powered customer enticementdevice is provided as part of a back panel module.
 5. The portablecooled merchandising unit of claim 4, wherein the back panel moduleincludes a display panel selected from the group consisting of an LCD,an OLED, and an electroluminescent light source.
 6. The portable cooledmerchandising unit of claim 1, wherein the powered customer enticementdevice includes a plurality of LED light sources visible from anexterior of the merchandising unit.
 7. The portable cooled merchandisingunit of claim 1, wherein the door assembly includes a transparent windowthrough which the interior region is visible, and further wherein thepowered customer enticement device includes a plurality of light sourcespositioned to illuminate the interior region, each of the light sourcesbeing operable to emit red, green, and blue colored light, and furtherwherein the light emitted by the light sources is visible from anexterior of the merchandising unit via the window.
 8. The portablecooled merchandising unit of claim 1, wherein the merchandising unitfurther comprises a housing within which the product container assemblyand the cooling assembly are disposed, the powered customer enticementdevice including a light source disposed along an exterior of thehousing.
 9. The portable cooled merchandising unit of claim 1, whereinthe powered customer enticement device is configured to emanate a scentfrom the merchandising unit.
 10. The portable cooled merchandising unitof claim 1, wherein the merchandising unit further comprises a housingwithin which the product container assembly and the cooling assembly aredisposed, the housing including a frame, and further wherein the poweredcustomer enticement device includes a side display panel assembled tothe frame.
 11. The portable cooled merchandizing unit of claim 10,wherein the side display panel is a lenticular display panel.
 12. Theportable cooled merchandizing unit of claim 10, wherein the poweredcomponent of the customer enticement device is a light source positionedbehind the side display panel upon final assembly.
 13. The portablecooled merchandizing unit of claim 10, wherein the frame includes atleast two vertical rails forming opposed slots sized to slidably receivethe side display panel.
 14. The portable cooled merchandizing unit ofclaim 1, wherein the powered customer enticement device includes a soundsystem.
 15. The portable cooled merchandizing unit of claim 14, whereinthe sound system includes a sensor, a control board and a speaker, thecontrol board programmed to prompt the speaker to generate an audioeffect corresponding with product contained in the interior region inresponse to customer interaction with the sensor.
 16. The portablecooled merchandizing unit of claim 1, wherein the door includes firstand second transparent panes and a graphics layer positioned between thepanes.
 17. The portable cooled merchandizing unit of claim 1, whereinthe cooling assembly includes a thermoelectric device.
 18. The portablecooled merchandising unit of claim 17, wherein the cooling assemblyfurther includes a fan for generating airflow to the thermoelectricdevice, and further wherein the thermoelectric device, the fan, and thepowered component of the customer enticement device are all electricallyconnected to the common power supply.
 19. The portable cooledmerchandising unit of claim 18, wherein the merchandising unit includesa housing within which the product container assembly, the coolingassembly, and the common power supply are disposed, the power unitfurther comprising: a single power cord extending from the housing forelectrical connection to an external power source, the single power cordserving as the only power input to the common power supply.
 20. Theportable cooled merchandising unit of claim 17, wherein themerchandising unit further comprises: a housing within which the productcontainer assembly and the cooling assembly are disposed, the housingincluding a bottom plate defining an air intake opening and an airoutlet opening; a collapsible air chute assembled to the bottom panelabout the air outlet opening for directing airflow from the outletopening in a direction away from the intake opening.
 21. A portablecooled merchandising unit comprising: a product container assemblydefining an interior region for containing product; a door assemblyconnected to the product container assembly and including a movable doorto permit selective access to the interior region; a cooling assemblyconnected to the product container assembly, the cooling assemblyincluding a powered cooling device and configured to cool the interiorregion; and a housing within which the product container assembly andthe cooling assembly are maintained, the housing including: a pluralityof extruded vertical rails each forming a slot, a plurality of panels,respective ones of which are slidably mounted to a corresponding pair ofthe rails.
 22. A method of displaying consumable products to a customerat a place of business, the method comprising: providing a portablecooled merchandising unit including: a product container assemblydefining an interior region, a door assembly connected to the productcontainer assembly and including a movable door to permit selectiveaccess to the internal region, a cooling assembly connected to theproduct container assembly, the cooling assembly including a poweredcooling device and configured to cool the interior region, a poweredcustomer enticement device associated with the product containerassembly and adapted to encourage user interaction with themerchandising unit, the powered customer enticement device including apowered component, a power unit including a single power cord extendingfrom the merchandising unit and a common power supply electricallyconnected to the power cord; moving the merchandising unit to a desiredlocation at the place of business; electrically connecting the powercord to an electrical outlet; placing a plurality of products in theinterior region; operating the cooling assembly to cool the productswithin the interior region; and operating the customer enticement deviceto encourage customers to approach the merchandising unit; whereinoperating the cooling assembly and the customer enticement deviceincludes powering the powered cooling device and the powered componentof the customer enticement device via the common power supply.
 23. Themethod of claim 22, wherein the merchandising unit further includes ahousing within which the product container assembly and the coolingassembly are disposed, the housing including a frame slidablymaintaining a plurality of panels, the method further comprising:removing a first one of the panels from the frame; and slidably mountinga second panel to the frame as a replacement for the first panel.